Zambia’s Copper Queens earned their first win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal, moving level on four points with Morocco at the top of Group A. The match followed their exciting 2-2 opener against the hosts and now sets up a decisive final group-stage clash against DR Congo on Saturday.
Though Zambia fell behind early, the comeback was fuelled by the team’s attacking dynamism and Barbra Banda’s 60th international goal, complemented by Racheal Kundananji’s second-half strike and Banda’s brace. Despite conceding a late penalty, Coach Nora Hauptle’s side held firm to claim a vital win—and she was full of praise for her squad post-match.
“We Showed Our Values on the Pitch” – Hauptle Reflects
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coach Nora Hauptle described the game as “entertaining, but not good for the blood pressure of the coach,” jokingly admitting the team’s early lapse after conceding in the 5th minute.
“We had a very bad start in the game,” Hauptle said. “But I think we showed and proved our values on the pitch: love, unity, and passion. There was ‘kukakata’, as we say in Zambia—it means to have this spirit, to burn, to defend.”
She singled out Banda for her all-round commitment:
“You saw Barbra was even playing as a centre-back at some point, helping out in defense. In the end, it was a very deserved victory from our team. I’m very excited.”
Defensive Response and Tactical Evolution
Despite conceding four goals in two matches, Hauptle defended her backline, pointing out that most goals had come from set pieces and not open play.
“I think defensively, there were a lot of good elements on the pitch that we could build on… There are two goals out of set pieces [against Morocco]. Today, it was a penalty which I wouldn’t even give. But we are getting more stable and mature.”
She also noted a deliberate shift away from chaotic play:
“We wanted to go a bit away from Chipantepante and play more possession football. In the beginning today, we were a bit too nervous, but I think we adjusted well after fifteen minutes.”
What’s Next: Eyes on Group A Summit
Zambia now turns its focus to Saturday’s clash with DR Congo, where a win would almost certainly secure top spot in Group A and a potentially favorable quarterfinal matchup.
📊 Group A Standings After Matchday 2
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|
| 1 | Morocco | 4 |
| 2 | Zambia | 4 |
| 3 | Senegal | 3 |
| 4 | DR Congo | 0 |
