Zambia’s Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda continues her sensational debut season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), scoring the only goal of the game as Orlando Pride secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bay FC at PayPal Park on Wednesday night.
Banda’s 59th-minute strike marked her 8th goal of the season, taking her within one goal of the league’s top scorer, Esther Gonzalez (9), and keeping Orlando well in the title race.
Banda’s Moment of Brilliance
The game’s decisive moment came just before the hour mark. After a quick set piece, Carson Pickett delivered a clever pass to Banda, who took a composed touch on the left side of the box and fired a right-footed shot that deflected off two defenders before nestling into the bottom right corner.
The strike once again showcased Banda’s sharp instincts and ability to capitalize on tight chances—qualities that have made her one of the most dangerous forwards in the NWSL this season.
Banda vs. Bay FC – A Consistent Threat
This is the third time this season Orlando has defeated Bay FC by a 1-0 scoreline, and Banda has had a hand in all three goals:
Her consistency against Bay FC underlines her importance to Orlando’s title ambitions.
Orlando Pride Climb to Second
With the win, Orlando Pride now sit on 25 points, just two behind table-toppers Kansas City Current. The form of Banda has been a key part of their surge, and the team will be counting on her continued contributions as the title race intensifies.
Zambians in Action
Elsewhere in the match:
🇿🇲 Rachel Kundananji played the full 90 minutes for Bay FC, working tirelessly up front but failing to find the breakthrough.
🇿🇲 Prisca Chilufya came on in the dying moments to replace Banda and help seal the result.
The presence of three Zambian internationals on the pitch highlighted the growing influence of Zambian talent in elite women’s football.
Conclusion
Barbra Banda is proving to be a revelation in her first NWSL campaign, scoring decisive goals and leading Orlando Pride’s charge toward the top of the table. With eight goals to her name and several match-winning performances already, she’s firmly in the conversation for Player of the Season honors.
