Zambia Women produced a breathtaking performance to defeat Egypt Women 6-0 in their opening Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Round 1 match, with captain Barbra Banda stealing the spotlight by scoring four goals in a ruthless display. The Copper Queens combined attacking brilliance with defensive discipline to send a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
Zambia Make Perfect Start to WAFCON Campaign
The Copper Queens could not have wished for a better start to their WAFCON journey, comfortably dispatching Egypt 6-0 in a one-sided contest. Zambia controlled possession, created numerous chances, and capitalized on Egypt’s defensive mistakes to secure one of the biggest wins of the opening round.
For football fans across Tanzania and East Africa, Zambia’s impressive display is another reminder of how rapidly women’s football continues to grow within the region. Their blend of pace, technical quality, and clinical finishing makes them genuine contenders for continental success.
First Half: Nachula Breaks the Deadlock
Egypt began the match determined to frustrate Zambia, but their resistance was eventually broken midway through the first half.
After sustained pressure, Zambia earned a penalty in the 25th minute, and Racheal Nachula calmly converted from the spot to give her side a deserved 1-0 lead.
Egypt’s problems worsened shortly afterward when Laila Khairy was forced off with an injury in the 32nd minute, further disrupting the team’s defensive organization.
Despite creating several opportunities, Zambia entered halftime leading by just one goal, leaving plenty of work still to do.
Halftime: Zambia 1-0 Egypt
Banda Takes Over in Devastating Second Half
The second half belonged entirely to Barbra Banda, who delivered one of the tournament’s finest individual performances.
The captain doubled Zambia’s lead from another penalty in the 60th minute before striking again just three minutes later after being brilliantly set up by Prisca Chilufya.
With Egypt unable to contain Zambia’s relentless attacks, Banda completed her hat-trick in the 87th minute, putting the game completely beyond reach.
Phiri Joins the Party
Substitute Ester Phiri also made an immediate impact.
After replacing Chilufya, she scored Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time following another excellent assist from Banda, highlighting the team’s attacking depth.
Just moments later, Banda completed her remarkable evening by netting her fourth goal after a clever pass from Racheal Kundananji, sealing an emphatic 6-0 victory.
Zambia’s Attack Sends Warning to Rivals
Scoring six goals against any opponent at the continental level is a statement, but the manner in which Zambia dominated every department was even more impressive.
The Copper Queens displayed the following:
- Clinical finishing
- Excellent movement in attack
- Quick transitions
- Midfield control
- Defensive solidity
Perhaps most encouraging was the partnership between Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, two of Africa’s most dangerous forwards. Their chemistry consistently stretched Egypt’s defense and promises to trouble even stronger opponents later in the competition.
Egypt Face Early Questions
Egypt struggled to cope with Zambia’s pace and physicality throughout the match.
Their defense was repeatedly exposed, while the attack rarely threatened the Zambian goal. Injuries and defensive lapses compounded an already difficult evening, leaving Egypt with significant improvements to make before their next fixture.
To remain competitive in the tournament, Egypt must tighten their defensive organization and become more effective in possession.
What This Means for the Tournament
For Zambia, this dominant victory provides the following:
- A major boost to goal difference.
- Increased confidence heading into tougher fixtures.
- Early momentum in the group stage.
- A clear statement of title ambitions.
Meanwhile, Egypt will need a swift response if they hope to keep their qualification hopes alive.
With performances like this, Zambia has firmly established itself as one of the favorites to challenge Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
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Match Summary
Competition: Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Round 1
Result: Zambia Women 6-0 Egypt Women
Goalscorers:
- Racheal Nachula (25′ Pen)
- Barbra Banda (60′ Pen, 63′, 87′, 90+6′)
- Ester Phiri (90+2′)
Key Assist Providers:
- Prisca Chilufya
- Barbra Banda
- Racheal Kundananji
Final Verdict
Zambia’s 6-0 demolition of Egypt was one of the standout performances of the opening round of WAFCON. Led by an outstanding four-goal display from Barbra Banda, the Copper Queens showcased the attacking quality, squad depth, and confidence needed to compete for the African title. If they maintain this level, Zambia will be one of the teams every opponent will want to avoid as the tournament progresses.
