Zambia Edges Senegal in Five-Goal Thriller to Top Group A at WAFCON

Zambia’s Copper Queens showed character and attacking flair to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory over Senegal in their second Group A match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, held at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

It was Senegal who struck first in the 5th minute through Nguenar Ndiaye, capitalising on a defensive lapse to silence the Zambian fans. But Zambia responded quickly, with captain Barbra Banda equalising in the 12th minute following a brilliant assist from Racheal Kundananji.

Both sides created chances in a lively first half. Banda and Kundananji were constant threats, while goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye kept Senegal in the game with crucial saves from Prisca Chilufya and Kundananji. Zambia nearly took the lead late in the half, but Banda’s goal was disallowed for offside and the first period ended 1-1.

Zambia came out of the break with renewed intent and were rewarded in the 51st minute when Kundananji fired in a powerful shot to give the Copper Queens a 2-1 lead. A VAR check for a Senegalese penalty moments later was waved away, though Zambia coach Nora Hauptle was shown a yellow card for dissent.

Senegal made changes to chase the game but were undone again in the 73rd minute. Banda pounced on a rebound from Kundananji’s shot to make it 3-1 with her third goal of the tournament.

Senegal refused to go down without a fight. Nguenar Ndiaye scored her second of the match from the penalty spot in the 80th minute after being fouled by Zambian keeper Ngambo Musole, who was booked for the challenge. Musole, however, redeemed herself with key saves late on to preserve Zambia’s lead.

Despite late pressure and 10 minutes of added time, Zambia held on to claim all three points and move to the top of Group A with four points.

Final Score: Zambia 3-2 Senegal
Zambia Goals: Barbra Banda (12’, 73’), Racheal Kundananji (51’)
Senegal Goals: Nguenar Ndiaye (5’, 80’ pen)

The Copper Queens will now look ahead to their final group fixture against DR Congo with confidence as they aim for a spot in the knockout stages.