Zambian Football Association has officially announced the tragic passing of Norin Betani, a player for the women’s national team. Betani, aged 24, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
Betani was scheduled to accompany the team to Ghana for the Paris Olympic qualifying first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
However, she was unable to join the team as she fell ill and had to remain behind.
A statement from the Zambian 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.
“This is the Kanyama Level One Hospital, and FAZ engaged the family at every stage.
“The patient was referred to the University Teaching Hospital 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 hospitalisation.”
Zambia will be looking to go past Ghana’s Black Queens and book a place at the Olympics for the second straight time after appearing at the Tokyo 2020 games.