Zambia’s Copper Queens earned their first win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Senegal, moving level on four points with Morocco, who also beat DR Congo 4-2.

After a 2-2 draw with Morocco in their opener, Zambia overcame an early setback when Ngeunar Ndiaye scored for Senegal. Barbra Banda equalised with her 60th international goal, and despite two disallowed goals, Zambia dominated the first half with confident attacking play.

The Copper Queens continued their momentum in the second half, with Racheal Kundananji putting them ahead in the 51st minute and Banda extending the lead to 3-1 in the 74th. Senegal pulled one back through a penalty from Ndiaye after goalkeeper Ngambo Musole committed a foul. Despite late pressure, Zambia held firm to secure three crucial points and now look ahead to a decisive final group match against DR Congo.

Nora Hauptle’s post-match reaction

Speaking after the match, Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle admitted, “We had a very bad start in the game,” referring to her team conceding just five minutes into play, adding that it was an “entertaining game but not good for the blood pressure of the coach,” she jokingly told a press conference.

Hauptle commended her players for their resilience and determination in securing their first win of the tournament. “There was ‘kukakata’ as we say it in Zambia, which means to have this spirit, to burn, to defend. You saw Barbra was even playing as a centre-back at some point, helping out in defense. I think we showed and proved our values on the pitch: love, unity, and passion. I think our identity was clearly shown, and in the end, a very deserved victory from our team. I’m very excited.”

When asked about Zambia’s defensive concerns, having conceded four goals in two matches, Hauptle defended her backline. “I think defending wise, we did not concede out of open play. It was just set pieces, so defensively, there were a lot of good elements on the pitch that we could build on. The rate of our chances is okay. Then we need to do better.

“I think against Morocco, we had a very determined defensive performance. As I said, there are two goals out of set pieces [which we have conceded]. Today, also one goal, a penalty which I would not give like that. Again, I said this, in the beginning, we were a bit sleepy and got caught by a long call with bad communication. But I think, we see that we are getting much more stable and much more mature in defending.”

She also touched on the team’s tactical approach. “We wanted to go a bit away from Chipantepante and play more possession football. In the beginning today, we were a bit too nervous but I think we adjusted well after fifteen minutes.”

Zambia will face DR Congo on Saturday in a crucial match they aim to win in order to finish top of Group A.

READ MORE: Copper Queens Edge Senegal 3-2 to Go Top of Group A at WAFCON