Barbra Banda Fires Four as Copper Queens Demolish Egypt in WAFCON Opener

Captain Barbra Banda delivered a sensational performance with four goals as Zambia began their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Egypt 6-0 in their Group C opener.

The Orlando Pride forward inspired the Copper Queens to their biggest-ever WAFCON victory while becoming Zambia’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history.

Zambia Take Control After Early Pressure

The Copper Queens dominated from the opening whistle, creating several chances but initially struggling to convert their superiority into goals.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 25th minute when Banda was brought down inside the penalty area. Veteran defender Racheal Nachula stepped up confidently to convert from the spot, becoming the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history at 40 years old.

Zambia continued to dictate possession for the remainder of the first half and carried a deserved 1-0 advantage into the break.

Banda Takes Centre Stage

The Copper Queens resumed the second half with the same attacking intensity and doubled their lead in the 61st minute after being awarded another penalty for a handball inside the box. Banda made no mistake from the spot to score her first goal of the evening.

Moments later, the prolific striker grabbed her second, rising highest to head home an inviting cross from Prisca Chilufya and put the match beyond Egypt’s reach.

Banda completed her hat-trick in the closing stages after Zambia continued to overwhelm the Egyptian defence with relentless attacking football.

Phiri Impresses on WAFCON Debut

Head coach Nora Häuptle introduced teenager Eneless Phiri during the second half, and the substitute immediately made her presence felt.

The young forward added pace and creativity to Zambia’s attack before marking her WAFCON debut with a superb goal in stoppage time after being set up by Banda.

Banda then completed an unforgettable night by scoring her fourth goal of the match, putting the finishing touch on a dominant 6-0 victory for the Copper Queens.

Historic Night for the Copper Queens

The four-goal haul saw Banda become Zambia’s highest scorer in WAFCON history with seven goals in just five tournament appearances.

She also became the first player since Nigeria star Asisat Oshoala to score four goals in a single Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match.

The convincing victory sends Zambia to the top of Group C ahead of a highly anticipated clash against Nigeria, with the Copper Queens carrying plenty of confidence into their next fixture after one of the finest performances in the team’s history.