Zambia recorded their biggest ever win in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, beating Egypt 6-0 in the opening Group C match. Barbra Banda stole the show with a four-goal performance, while Racheal Nachula and Eneless Phiri got the other goals.
BolaNews rates the performances of the Copper Queens stars in their throttling of the Cleopatras at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
GOALKEEPER
Hazel Nali (7/10): The shot-stopper had little to do between the sticks but was impressive when called into action.
DEFENDERS
Margret Belemu (8/10): Whether going on the outside to cross, tucking in to orchestrate play or dropping deep to defend, Belemu was exceptional vs Egypt.
Mapalo Maluba (7/10): The youngster was solid on the right side of defence, giving Belemu the licence to go forward at will.
Rhoda Chileshe (7/10): She read the game well and stepped in to thwart attacks before they could get to the goalkeeper.
Lushomo Mweemba (8/10): Mweemba was absolutely unbeatable in the air, clearing everything that came her way.
Racheal Nachula (7/10): Nachula, 40, became the oldest scorer in WAFCON history from the penalty spot and came close to adding another from long range.
MIDFIELDERS
Ireen Lungu (7/10): She was a thorn in the flesh of Egypt’s midfield, breaking up play adeptly and linking up well with Grace Chanda.
Grace Chanda (7/10): We finally got to see Chanda playing with freedom. Her runs, passes and turns in the middle of the park caused all sorts of problems for the North Africans.
FORWARDS
Prisca Chilufya (7/10): She put the ball on the plate for Barbra Banda with a top-notch delivery after forcing a penalty earlier.
Racheal Kundananji (7/10): Kundananji endured an unlucky outing against Egypt but recorded an assist at the death.
Barbra Banda (10/10): What’s left to write about Barbra Banda? One of the greatest we have ever seen. She played a part in all six goals, scoring four, winning a penalty and setting up another.
SUBSTITUTES
Enless Phiri (8/10): What a magical player she is. Phiri scored the best goal of the night, sending the ball into the top corner from outside the box.
Evarine Katongo (7/10): Alongside Phiri, her top-notch ball control and dribbling were on display before her rebounded shot led to a Banda goal.
Saliya Mwanza (6/10): The youngster brought some energy on the left flank.
Hellen Chanda, Margaret Gondwe and Xiomara Mapepa (N/A): The trio joined the party late on.
COACH
Nora Häuptle (10/10): Her Copper Queens bossed the match from start to finish and became more deadly in front of goal after Häuptle’s halftime talk. What a masterclass from Häuptle.
