IN a night that will be remembered for its breathtaking action and nerve-shredding drama, Zambia’s Copper Queens delivered a masterclass in resilience, overcoming a spirited Senegal side 3-2 in what may prove to be the defining match of their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Fresh from their frustrating 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco, Zambia arrived at the stadium with desperation etched across their faces – and it showed in every tackle, every sprint, and every moment of magic that followed.
But it was Senegal who drew first blood, stunning the title contenders with a lightning-quick opener that silenced the crowd. Just five minutes into the contest, Nguenar Ndiaye, the hero of Senegal’s commanding 4-0 victory over DR Congo, demonstrated why she’s become one of the tournament’s most feared attackers. Latching onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Méta Kandé, Ndiaye showed ice-cold composure to slot past goalkeeper Ng’ambo Musole and give the Lionesses a dream start.
The early setback could have derailed a lesser team, but Zambia’s response was swift and emphatic. Captain Barbra Banda, leading from the front with the kind of authority that separates good players from great ones, leveled the score in the 12th minute with a strike that will be replayed for years to come. Collecting a sublime assist from Racheal Kundananji, Banda unleashed a rocket into the top corner that left the Senegalese goalkeeper with no chance.
The first half became a showcase of attacking football at its finest, with both teams refusing to take a backward step. End-to-end action kept spectators on the edge of their seats, but it was after the break that Zambia truly seized control of their destiny.
Six minutes into the second half, Kundananji transformed from provider to finisher, demonstrating the kind of clinical precision that has made her one of Africa’s most coveted talents. Her composed finish in the box not only gave Zambia a 2-1 lead but also showcased the tactical intelligence that makes this Copper Queens side so dangerous.
Banda, who had terrorised the Senegalese defense throughout the match like a predator stalking its prey, struck again in the 73rd minute to seemingly put the game beyond doubt. Reacting with the instincts of a natural goalscorer, she was first to a corner kick and buried her chance from close range, sending the Zambian contingent into raptures.
But Senegal, displaying the fighting spirit that has characterized their tournament run, refused to surrender. Seven minutes later, Ndiaye was brought down in the penalty area and dusted herself off to convert the spot-kick, making it 3-2 and setting up a finale that had hearts racing across the stadium.
The final minutes descended into beautiful chaos as Senegal threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Wave after wave of attacks crashed against Zambia’s defense, with corners flying in and shots being blocked with bodies thrown on the line. Through it all, Musole stood tall between the posts, producing a series of crucial saves that preserved her team’s precious lead.
When the final whistle blew, Zambia had more than just three points—they had delivered a statement of intent that resonated throughout the tournament. This victory, built on skill, determination, and sheer willpower, moved them to four points in Group A and firmly established their credentials as genuine title contenders.
For Senegal, who had been eyeing early qualification after their impressive start, this result serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak in tournament football. They now face a must-win scenario in their final group match.
Morocco delivers spectacular show with 4-2 victory over DRC
In the evening’s second encounter, hosts Morocco provided their home supporters with the kind of performance that dreams are made of, overcoming Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) 4-2 in a match that showcased the beautiful unpredictability of women’s football.
The Atlas Lionesses, still smarting from their opening draw with Zambia, knew they needed to deliver something special – and they did exactly that, but not without navigating some early turbulence.
DRC struck first in the 6th minute through Merveille Kanjinga, whose confident finish following a well-weighted through ball from Naomie Kabakaba stunned the home crowd and provided a perfect example of why this tournament has been so compelling.
Morocco’s response was both immediate and devastating. Star forward Ghizlane Chebbak took center stage, scoring twice before halftime to flip the script entirely. Her first goal in the 25th minute was a thing of beauty – a composed finish inside the box that showcased her technical ability. Her second, just two minutes before the break, demonstrated her predatory instincts as she struck from close range to give Morocco a 2-1 halftime advantage.
The second half maintained the frenetic pace, with DRC leveling in the 70th minute through substitute Flavine Mawete, whose stunning strike into the top corner following a clever assist from Marlène Kasaj reignited hopes for the central Africans and set up a grandstand finish.
But Morocco, feeding off the energy of their home crowd, refused to let the moment slip away. Just five minutes later, Chebbak turned provider, setting up Imène El Ghazouani in a move that highlighted the team’s tactical intelligence. When El Ghazouani’s cross found Chebbak again for her third goal contribution of the match, it was a clinical strike that restored Morocco’s lead and demonstrated why she’s become one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The coup de grâce came in the 83rd minute when Anissa Lahmari won a penalty that was confidently converted by Yasmin M’Rabet, whose strike into the bottom corner sealed a memorable victory for the hosts.
Despite late attempts from DRC, including efforts from Kabakaba, Mawete, and Esther Dikisha, Morocco’s defense held firm with goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi providing the composure needed in the crucial moments.
With this result, Morocco continues to build momentum in their WAFCON 2024 campaign, while DR Congo, despite showing glimpses of attacking promise, will need to regroup for their next challenge.
As the tournament progresses, one thing has become crystal clear: this year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and entertaining in recent memory, with every match delivering the kind of drama and quality that makes women’s football such a compelling spectacle.
