Copper Queens Player Ratings: Banda Earns Perfect 10 as Zambia Thrash Egypt 6-0 at WAFCON
The Copper Queens kicked off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Egypt 6-0 in a dominant Group C performance at the Olympic Stadium.
Captain Barbra Banda delivered a breathtaking display, scoring four goals and inspiring Zambia to their biggest victory in WAFCON history. Racheal Nachula and substitute Enless Phiri also found the net as the Copper Queens outclassed the North Africans from start to finish.
Here’s how the Zambia players performed.
Goalkeeper
Hazel Nali – 7/10
Nali enjoyed a relatively quiet evening but remained alert whenever Egypt threatened. She handled the few situations that came her way with confidence and composure.
Defenders
Margret Belemu – 8/10
A complete performance from the experienced full-back. Belemu defended well, supported attacks tirelessly and consistently delivered quality balls into dangerous areas.
Mapalo Maluba – 7/10
The young defender looked composed throughout the contest, providing defensive stability while allowing Zambia’s left side to attack with freedom.
Rhoda Chileshe – 7/10
Strong positioning and excellent anticipation helped Chileshe deal comfortably with Egypt’s attacking attempts before they became dangerous.
Lushomo Mweemba – 8/10
Outstanding in aerial duels and commanding inside the penalty area. Mweemba rarely put a foot wrong and led the defence with authority.
Racheal Nachula – 8/10
The veteran defender made history by becoming the oldest goalscorer in WAFCON history after calmly converting from the penalty spot. She also contributed defensively and nearly added another spectacular goal from distance.
Midfielders
Ireen Lungu – 7/10
Worked tirelessly in midfield, breaking up Egyptian attacks while keeping Zambia moving forward with accurate passing and intelligent positioning.
Grace Chanda – 8/10
One of Zambia’s most influential players. Her movement, creativity and ability to carry the ball through midfield constantly unsettled the Egyptian defence.
Forwards
Prisca Chilufya – 8/10
A lively performance filled with pace and creativity. She won the penalty that led to Zambia’s opener and later produced an excellent assist for Banda.
Racheal Kundananji – 7/10
Although she didn’t score, Kundananji remained a constant threat and was rewarded with an assist late in the match after another energetic display.
Barbra Banda – 10/10
A captain’s performance in every sense. Banda was simply unstoppable, scoring four goals, winning a penalty and providing an assist. She influenced every aspect of Zambia’s attacking play and deservedly takes the Player of the Match award.
Substitutes
Enless Phiri – 8/10
Made an immediate impact from the bench with a stunning long-range strike that capped a memorable cameo.
Evarine Katongo – 7/10
Added fresh energy after coming on and impressed with her close control and attacking intent. Her effort that was saved eventually led to one of Banda’s goals.
Saliya Mwanza – 6/10
Brought pace and enthusiasm down the flank during the closing stages, helping Zambia maintain their attacking momentum.
Hellen Chanda, Margaret Gondwe & Xiomara Mapepa – N/A
Introduced late in the match and had limited time to influence proceedings.
Coach
Nora Häuptle – 10/10
A tactical masterclass from the Copper Queens head coach. Zambia dominated possession, controlled the tempo and became even more ruthless after the interval. Her substitutions also made a positive impact as the team delivered one of the finest performances in its WAFCON history.
