Zambia women’s striker Norin Betani passes away ahead of Ghana game

The Zambia women’s national team player, Norin Betani has passed away few days before the Copper Queens’ crucial game against the Black Queens of Ghana.

The Zambian FA in a statement confirmed that the 24-year-old striker died in the hospital on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Norin Betani, who was said to have contracted malaria, was admitted to the University Teaching Hospital on Monday, where she passed on three days later.

She was named in Zambia’s squad for their 2024 Paris Olympic Games qualifiers against but had to be replaced due to the her unfortunate passing.

A statement from the Zambia FA read : “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.

“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”.

She was a local based player who played for Indeni Roses in the Zambian Women’s Super League.

The Copper Queens, regardless, have landed safely in Ghana for the first leg tie of the Olympic Games qualifiers.