Zambia’s Copper Queens have booked their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after completing a commanding 7–2 aggregate victory over Namibia, following a 3–0 win in the second leg played in Ndola on Sunday.
Having taken a 4–2 lead from the first leg four days earlier, the Copper Queens only needed to avoid a heavy defeat to secure qualification — but they did much more than that.
In the absence of Capta Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji led the team with distinction across both legs. The forward opened the scoring in the 21st minute, heading home from a Grace Chanda corner. The goal marked Kundananji’s 38th for Zambia in 54 appearances since her debut in 2018.
ZESCO Ndola Girls winger Eneless Phiri doubled Zambia’s advantage in the 32nd minute with a thunderous strike, sending the home fans into celebration as the first half ended 2–0, giving the Copper Queens a comfortable 6–2 aggregate lead.
The hosts continued to dominate after the break, and their persistence paid off when Prisca Chilufya added a third goal to seal a 7–2 aggregate triumph.
Coach Nora Häuptle later made several substitutions to give other players game time. Prisca Chilufya, Grace Chanda, and Martha Tembo were replaced by Kabange Mupopo, Racheal Nachula, and Natasha Nanyangwe, respectively. Eneless Phiri received a standing ovation as she made way for Penelope Mulumbwa, while Mary Wilombe was substituted for Ireen Lungu.
With this result, the Copper Queens have qualified for the WAFCON for the fifth time. They will now set their sights on next year’s tournament in Morocco, where they aim to go beyond the quarterfinals and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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