The Zambia Women’s National Team thwarted Angola 6-nil in the first leg of the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers in Luanda on Wednesday.
The Copper Queens’ intentions were evident from the start. Racheal Kundananji scored six minutes into the game, only for her goal to be ruled offside.
However, it took until the 40th minute for Bruce Mwape’s charges to open the scoring through defender Lushomo Mweemba, who struck from close range after the home side failed to clear their lines.
Five minutes later, skipper Barbra Banda scored from the penalty spot after Kunananji was fouled in the box.
The Shanghai Shengli striker made it 3-0 just before halftime after being set up by Kundananji.
Zambia came out firing in the second half, with Khazasktan-based midfielder Ireen Lungu making it 4-0 in the 57th minute.
Banda completed her hat-trick in the 65th to make it 47 goals in 48 appearances for Zambia.
The Copper Queens added the icing on the cake, Kundananji, following a brilliant assist from substitute Racheal Nachula.
It was Kundananji’s 10th goal for Zambia in 2023.
Meanwhile, Zambian goalkeeper Catherine Musonda was not busy on the day. She was well covered by the solid central defense partnership of Pauline Zulu and Mwemba.
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The 6-0 win for Zambia puts them in a commanding position ahead of the second leg next week on Tuesday in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
