By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Zambia launched their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, crushing Egypt 6-0 in their Group C opener with captain Barbra Banda producing a scintillating four-goal performance.
The Copper Queens completely dominated the contest, overwhelming the North Africans with attacking flair and clinical finishing to underline their status as one of the tournament’s favourites.
Racheal Nachula opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after Egypt’s Aisha Mohamed was penalised for a foul in the box.
Although Zambia took only a one-goal advantage into the break, the second half turned into a one-sided affair as Banda took centre stage.
The Orlando Pride forward doubled Zambia’s lead with a penalty in the 60th minute before striking again just three minutes later after being set up by Prisca Chilufya.
Banda completed her hat-trick in the 87th minute and wrapped up her remarkable performance deep into stoppage time, finishing off a move created by Racheal Kundananji to take her tally to four goals.
Evarine Phiri also got on the scoresheet, netting Zambia’s fifth goal in the second minute of added time after being assisted by Banda.
The scoreline reflected Zambia’s total dominance throughout the encounter.
The Copper Queens controlled 63 per cent of possession, registered 34 shots compared to Egypt’s five, and created seven clear-cut chances while restricting their opponents to just one touch inside the Zambian penalty area.
Egypt struggled to cope with Zambia’s relentless pressure and attacking movement, making several second-half substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide, but the changes failed to halt the Copper Queens’ dominance.
The resounding victory gives Zambia an ideal start to their WAFCON campaign and sends a strong warning to the rest of the field as they chase continental glory.
For Egypt, the heavy defeat leaves them with significant work to do in their remaining group matches if they hope to revive their qualification hopes.
