Kundananji Hat-Trick Inspires Zambia to 4–2 Win Over Namibia in WAFCON Qualifier
The Copper Queens took a giant step toward qualification for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 4–2 victory over Namibia in the first-leg encounter played on Wednesday afternoon.
Star striker Racheal Kundananji produced a stunning performance, netting a hat-trick to power Zambia past the Brave Gladiators in an action-packed contest.
Zambia began the match with high intensity, threatening as early as the fourth minute when Kundananji’s header from a corner was saved. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Eneless Phiri’s clever pass found Kundananji, who tapped home to give the visitors the lead. Four minutes later, Racheal Nachula doubled the advantage, slotting in Grace Chanda’s precise cross to make it 2–0.
Namibia pulled one back in the 51st minute through Ivon Kooper, sparking a brief comeback. Eight minutes later, Zenatha Coleman converted from the penalty spot after Nachula fouled Leena Alweendo, leveling the match at 2–2.
The Copper Queens, however, refused to crumble. Kundananji had a goal ruled out for offside in the 67th minute, but just three minutes later, she struck again with a stunning volley to restore Zambia’s lead. In stoppage time, the in-form forward completed her hat-trick, sealing a deserved 4–2 win for Nora Hauptle’s side.
Zambia will now take a two-goal advantage into the second leg at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Sunday, where a draw or win will see them qualify for next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
