In a devastating blow to the Copper Queens, first-choice goalkeeper, Hazel Nali’s, hopes of participating in the FIFA World Cup for Zambia have been shattered due to a severe knee injury.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced the heartbreaking news, leaving fans and social media users expressing their sadness over the unfortunate development.
According to Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, Nali sustained a left knee injury prior to the international friendly match against Germany in Furth on July 7. After undergoing medical examinations in Germany and New Zealand, it was determined that she would be unable to compete in the tournament.
“Following a preliminary examination in Germany and an MRI conducted in New Zealand, our medical team, in consultation with the FIFA Medical Committee, has informed us that Nali suffered a laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL),” stated Kamanga.
The ACL, a crucial component of the knee’s support system, requires a minimum of six months to repair.
Kamanga added, “She will slowly return to training depending on how she heals.”
Nali will now return to Zambia, where she will undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
As the news of Nali’s injury spread, social media platforms were flooded with messages of support and disappointment from fans. Twitter user @HumphreyMwiing5 wrote, “Very sad development. I hope she stays with the squad though.”
Another fan, @jimmy_chungu, expressed their sympathy, saying, “We are with you Nali champs never broken they use the moment to come back strong.”
Zambia, who clinched the bronze medal in the 2022 WAFCON (Women’s Africa Cup of Nations), is scheduled to play their first World Cup match against Japan on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Four days later, they will face Spain at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, followed by a final group match against Costa Rica on July 31 at Waikato Stadium.
The team has already settled in Hamilton, which serves as their tournament base. With Nali’s absence, the technical bench will be tasked with finding a suitable replacement in the goalkeeping department to maintain the team’s competitiveness in the tournament.
While the Zambian squad prepares for their upcoming matches, fans and well-wishers hope for Hazel Nali’s swift recovery, eager to see her back on the field and contributing to her team’s success in future tournaments.
By Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya