Zambia’s Copper Queens registered their first victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal, moving them to the top of Group A with four points. The win follows their 2-2 draw against tournament hosts Morocco on Saturday.
The match, played at a packed Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, was filled with drama, disallowed goals, standout performances, and late pressure from the West Africans—but Zambia held on for a crucial three points.
First Half Drama: Disallowed Goals & Rapid Response
Senegal made their intentions clear early on, taking the lead in the 5th minute through Ngeunar Ndiaye, who capitalized on a defensive lapse and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ngambo Musole.
The Copper Queens responded almost immediately. In the 12th minute, Grace Chanda swung in a perfect cross to Racheal Kundananji, who laid it off for Barbra Banda to hammer home the equalizer—her 60th goal in just 67 international appearances.
Zambia dominated possession from there on, with Banda and Kundananji causing all sorts of problems for the Senegalese backline. However, Zambia were left frustrated after Prisca Chilufya’s header and Banda’s close-range finish were both ruled out for offside, leaving the halftime score at 1-1.
Second Half: Zambia Turns the Tide
Zambia started the second half with intensity. Their pressure paid off in the 51st minute when Kundananji, later named Player of the Match, latched onto a long pass and finished brilliantly to make it 2-1.
In the 74th minute, Banda added her second of the night—tapping in a low cross to give Zambia a 3-1 cushion. Senegal made tactical substitutions in response, bringing on Fatoumata Drama and Hapsatou Diallo to add pace and control.
🧤 Nervy Ending as Senegal Fights Back
The final 15 minutes were tense. In the 80th minute, Musole came off her line and conceded a penalty after fouling Ndiaye, who converted for her fourth goal of the tournament, cutting Zambia’s lead to 3-2.
Zambia sat deep, defending their lead as Senegal pushed forward. Coach Nora Hauptle responded with late substitutions, including the introduction of Margret Belemu to solidify the backline. After ten intense minutes of stoppage time, the Copper Queens held on for a hard-fought and morale-boosting win.
