Copper Queens Lighting Up the NWSL: Banda Scores Again as Kundananji Turns Up the Heat in the ‘Kuchalo Derby’
Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji continue to carry Zambia’s football flag high in the United States, turning heads in yet another NWSL showdown. While Banda’s Orlando Pride claimed a hard-fought 1–0 win over Bay FC, it was a night filled with Copper Queen brilliance, and drama.
Banda was, once again, the match-winner. The Orlando Pride forward netted the decisive goal in the 58th minute, her eighth strike of the season, as Pride held off a relentless Bay FC side that racked up 20 total shots, six of them on target. Despite dominating the attacking numbers, Bay FC couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Orlando defence, led by goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse’s five saves and Banda’s clinical edge.
Banda Makes the Difference
In a game where Orlando had just seven shots, it was Banda’s moment of sharpness that made the difference. She latched onto a quick free kick from Carson Pickett, squeezed between defenders, and fired a deflected shot into the net. It was a classic Banda finish, alert, aggressive, and lethal.
With that goal, Banda became the second-highest scorer in the NWSL this season and now boasts nine game-winning goals for Orlando since 2024, only one short of the league’s top mark in that period.
Kundananji a Constant Threat
Though Bay FC ended up on the losing side, forward Rachel Kundananji caused fits for the visiting backline as time ticked down, but wouldn’t break through before the final whistle sounded.
Bay FC peppered the Pride box with seven corners and forced five fouls in the second half alone. At one point, a fumbled clearance nearly fell to Kundananji, but the ball was desperately hacked off the line. Despite 53% possession, Bay FC just couldn’t beat the wall that was Moorhouse.
Bay FC were statistically dominant, but Orlando were ruthlessly efficient, and Banda was the difference-maker. Once again, the Zambian star delivered when it mattered most.
What’s Next:
- Banda and Orlando Pride face Racing Louisville on June 20
- Kundananji and Bay FC look to bounce back against Gotham FC on June 21
