By Eyong Macdella<\/p>\n
Journalist, kick442.com-Cameroon<\/p>\n
The Copper Queens of Zambia announced themselves in ruthless fashion at Women\u2019s Africa Cup of Nations(WAFCON) 2026, thrashing Egypt 6-0 in their tournament opener to send an early warning to the rest of Group A.<\/p>\n
It was a night that belonged to captain Barbra Banda. The Orlando Pride star was simply unplayable, netting four goals to lead Zambia to the first 6-goal performance of the tournament.<\/p>\n
Racheal Nachula and Phiri also got their names on the scoresheet, capping off a dominant team display that had Egypt chasing shadows from start to finish.<\/p>\n
Zambia put up a dominant performance throughout this encounter. In the 14th minute, Banda was on the end of a dangerous cross from Lushomo Mweemba, but her first-time effort was blocked by the Egyptian defence.<\/p>\n
Midway through the first half, Zambia were awarded a penalty. Veteran Racheal Nachula stepped up and sent the Egyptian keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.<\/p>\n
From there, it was the Barbra Banda show. The team captain was everywhere\u2014 dropping deep and finishing clinically.<\/p>\n
By halftime the Copper Queens were firmly in control, pressing high, moving the ball with pace, and not allowing Egypt a moment to breathe.<\/p>\n
The second half was more of the same. Banda scored three in a row, completing that hattrick in three minutes and then got the winning goal to complete her haul, a performance which eventually earned her the Woman of the match award<\/p>\n
She then linked up beautifully with Phiri, settiing up her teammate to score the fifth goal before her last that ensured Zambia\u2019s place in record books as the first team to score six goals at WAFCON 2026.<\/p>\n
After missing the 2022 edition due to sex eligibility, the captain is back on a mission. Four goals in the first game puts her straight into Golden Boot contention.<\/p>\n
The link-up between Banda, Nachula, Kundananji Prisca Chilufya and Phiri was seamless. Zambia pressed as a team and attacked with real purpose.<\/p>\n
The win is Zambia’s biggest ever victory recorded in a WAFCON tournament. The 2022 bronze medalists and 2024 quarter-finalists, take the lead in Group C.<\/p>\n
This perfect start for Zambia is a huge confidence boost as they are drawn in a group that houses record champions Nigeria. But this opening performance confirms the Copper Queens are genuine contenders.<\/p>\n
Their Next challenge will be against Nigeria on August 1 and the final group game against debutants Malawi on August 5.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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