WAFCON 2024: Banda Brace Powers Zambia To Victory Over Senegal In Five-Goal Thriller

WAFCON 2024: Banda Brace Powers Zambia To Victory Over Senegal In Five-Goal Thriller

Sampson Adedeji

Zambia kept their title hopes alive at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal in a high-octane Group A clash on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a game packed with drama, fierce attacking play, and individual brilliance, the Copper Queens showed resilience to secure all three points despite being tested by a determined Senegalese side.

After a 2-2 stalemate against hosts Morocco in their opener, Zambia came into the match desperate for victory and delivered when it mattered.

But it was Senegal who drew first blood early, stunning Zambia in just the fifth minute.

Star forward Nguenar Ndiaye, fresh from her brace against DR Congo, latched onto Méta Kandé’s incisive through ball and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ng’ambo Musole.

Zambia wasted no time in responding. Skipper Barbra Banda fired home a thunderous equaliser in the 12th minute, converting after a clever setup by Racheal Kundananji.

The pace remained electric throughout the first half, and Zambia took the lead six minutes after the restart.

This time, Kundananji turned goal scorer, showing composure in the box to make it 2-1. Banda added her second of the night in the 73rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball from a corner and smashing it into the net to extend Zambia’s lead to 3-1.

Senegal pulled one back in the 80th minute after Ndiaye was fouled in the box. She stepped up to convert the penalty herself, setting up a tense final stretch.

Despite relentless late pressure including a series of corners and blocked efforts Zambia held on, with Musole making crucial saves to seal the win.

The victory moves Zambia to four points in Group A, while Senegal must now bounce back in their final group fixture to keep their qualification hopes alive.