Barbra Banda scored four goals as Zambia cruised to a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt to secure all three points in their opening Group C match.
The Copper Queens completely dominated the contest but were unfortunate and wasteful in front of goal for much of the first half. Their breakthrough eventually came in the 25th minute when Banda was fouled inside the penalty area, allowing Racheal Nachula to convert from the spot and become the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history at 40 years old.
Nora Häuptle’s side went into the break with a 1-0 lead and resumed the second half in similar fashion, controlling possession and constantly threatening the Egyptian defence.
Zambia was awarded a second penalty after a handball inside the box, and Banda calmly converted in the 61st minute to make it 2-0. She then headed home a pinpoint cross from Prisca Chilufya to extend the lead to 3-0 with her second goal of the night.
Eneless Phiri moment
Following that goal, Häuptle made a change, replacing Chilufya with wonderkid Eneless Phiri. The substitution proved inspired as Phiri added creativity and energy to Zambia’s attack, helping Banda complete her hat-trick in the 88th minute.
Häuptle further introduced fresh legs, with Evarine Kayongo replacing Grace Chanda, Siliya Mwanza coming on for Nachula, while Margaret Gondwe and Xiomara Mapepa replaced Mapalo Blessings and Margret Belemu, respectively.
Egypt failed to mount any meaningful attacks as Zambia continued to dominate in what had become one-way traffic. Just when it appeared the scoring was over, Eneless Phiri marked her debut at the competition with a goal three minutes into stoppage time after being set up by Banda.
Banda was not finished, however. She found herself in another good scoring position and made no mistake to complete her four-goal haul, sealing a 6-0 victory while becoming Zambia’s all-time leading scorer at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with seven goals in five matches.
The Orlando Pride striker also became the first player since Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala to score four goals in a single WAFCON match.
The Copper Queens now top Group C with three points ahead of their clash against Nigeria on Saturday.
