Banda Scores Four As Zambia Hammer Egypt 6-0 in WAFCON Opener

Banda Scores Four As Zambia Hammer Egypt 6-0 in WAFCON Opener

By Admin 

Captain Barbra Banda produced a scintillating display, scoring four goals and providing an assist as Zambia began their CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 campaign with a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Copper Queens delivered one of the most dominant performances of the opening round at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, with Banda playing a decisive role in five of Zambia's six goals to propel her side to the top of Group C.

Having entered the tournament among the favourites, Zambia wasted little time asserting their dominance. Banda threatened as early as the eighth minute but was denied by Egypt's goalkeeper, who reacted quickly to smother the danger.

Egypt briefly showed signs of resistance six minutes later when Nadin Ghazy tested Zambia goalkeeper Natasha Nali with a long-range effort, but the shot was comfortably collected.

Zambia continued to dictate proceedings, and Racheal Kundananji nearly opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, sending a header narrowly wide with the goalkeeper beaten.

Their sustained pressure finally paid off when Banda was brought down inside the penalty area. Grace Chanda's absence has placed additional responsibility on Zambia's experienced stars, and the Copper Queens responded confidently as Avell Chitundu Nachula calmly converted from the spot to give her side a deserved lead before halftime.

The second half belonged almost entirely to Banda.

Margaret Belemu came close to doubling Zambia's advantage shortly after the restart before a VAR review awarded the Copper Queens a second penalty when Prisca Chilufya's cross struck the hand of Amira Mohamed. Banda stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot kick to score her first goal of the tournament.

The reigning African Women's Footballer of the Year quickly added another, meeting Chilufya's pinpoint delivery with a clinical finish to stretch Zambia's lead to 3-0.

Banda completed her hat-trick in the 86th minute with a composed volley after Egypt failed to clear their lines, underlining her predatory instincts inside the penalty area.

Moments later, the captain turned creator, unselfishly setting up substitute Eneless Phiri, who made no mistake to score Zambia's fifth goal.

There was still time for Banda to cap a remarkable evening, adding her fourth goal in the closing stages with another composed finish to complete a memorable individual performance and move to the top of the tournament's scoring charts.

The emphatic victory gives Zambia the ideal start to their Group C campaign and strengthens their credentials as genuine contenders for the continental title.

The Copper Queens will now turn their attention to Saturday's blockbuster clash against defending champions Nigeria in a match that could prove decisive in the race for top spot in the group.

Egypt, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back when they face tournament debutants Malawi in their second group fixture as they look to revive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.