Norin Betani: Zambia Striker Passes Away Ahead of Ghana Clash in Olympic Games Qualifier

Zambia women's national team forward, Norin Betani, has sadly passed away just days before the 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against Ghana.

The striker, who plays for Indeni Roses, was named in the Copper Queens squad for the two-legged game.

However, Betani fell sick and was rushed to Chawama Level One Hospital, before she was later transferred to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, where she passed on.

She could not travel with the team to Ghana due to the illness, and the Zambian Football Association confirmed the news on Wednesday.

“We regret to announce the death of one of our female players Norin Betani who was in the provisional squad for the Ghana match. Betani was taken to the nearest hospital to the team camp which is Kanyama Level One hospital and FAZ engaged the family at every stage,” wrote the Zambian Football Federation on their official Facebook page.

“The patient was referred to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) on Monday and was under medical care until her demise. FAZ secretariat staff, family members and her club (Indeni Roses) worked closely during the player’s hospitalization.”

The Copper Queens will face Ghana on Friday in the first leg of their Olympic Games qualifier in Accra.

Zambia are chasing a second appearance at the multi-sport event while Ghana are yet to qualify for the event.

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Swiss coach Nora Hauptle led the Black Queens back to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after an aggregate victory over Namibia.

The Black Queens qualified after a 3-2 win from both legs, despite a 1-0 defeat in South Africa.

The Black Queens coach has been on a good run of form with the national team, winning ten of her previous games before the defeat on Tuesday.

This article originally appeared on Sports Brief