Barbra Banda Makes History with First-Ever Hat-Trick for Orlando Pride in NWSL

Zambia’s Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda made history on Saturday morning by netting the first-ever hat-trick in Orlando Pride’s history during their 3-1 away win over Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Banda, who had been on a three-match goal drought, rediscovered her scoring form in emphatic fashion at the America First Field. She opened the scoring in the 6th minute after being set up by Ally Watt, then dazzled with a solo effort in the 37th minute, before completing her hat-trick just a minute later with a composed finish from a Haley McCutcheon assist.

The victory propelled Orlando Pride to second place on the NWSL table with 19 points, just two points behind league leaders Kansas City Current, who have a game in hand.

Read about how Barbra Banda has fueled Orlando Pride’s recent NWSL success?

Banda’s hat-trick brings her tally to seven goals and one assist in 10 appearances this season, placing her level with Gotham FC’s Esther González in the race for the NWSL Golden Boot. Notably, she also became the first African player to score a hat-trick in the league’s history.

Compatriot Prisca Chilufya was named on the bench but did not feature, while fellow Zambian international Grace Chanda was absent from the matchday squad.

The Zambian trio are now set to join the national team for a three-nation FIFA international friendly series in South Africa. The Copper Queens will face hosts Banyana Banyana and Botswana as part of their preparations for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco from 5–26 July. Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo.

Banda, the reigning CAF Women’s African Footballer of the Year, continues to etch her name into the record books both at club and international level.