Zambia’s Copper Queens rout Egypt 6-0 in WAFCON opener

ZAMBIA made a statement in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opener, cruising to a 6-0 win over Egypt in Group C on Tuesday.

Barbra Banda led the way with four goals, becoming Zambia’s all-time leading scorer in WAFCON history. Veteran Rachael Nachula, 40, also scored and became one of the oldest players ever to find the net in the tournament.

Egypt, playing in WAFCON for the first time in a decade, held firm for 20 minutes before Nachula broke the deadlock in the 26th minute from the penalty spot. The 40-year-old sprinted to the corner flag and, with teammates, held up a jersey bearing the image of the late coach Bruce Mwape in an emotional tribute.

Zambia led 1-0 at halftime before taking over in the second half. Banda doubled the lead from the penalty spot, then added a third three minutes later after a cross from Prisca Chilufya.

Banda completed her hat trick three minutes from full time. Eneless Phiri added a fifth in stoppage time before Banda capped her night with a fourth goal to seal the 6-0 rout.

The Copper Queens now sit top of Group C.

(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 28th July, 2026)