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The Atlas Lionesses of Morocco silenced the Copper Queens with a shock 2-1 first leg victory at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, moving them a step closer to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Morocco will, however, have to complete the job next Tuesday in the second leg of the encounter to be held in North Africa.
Read more: Captain Banda rallies support for Copper Queens ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics final round
The win puts the Atlas Lionesses in a strong position to qualify to the global sporting showpiece.
Striker Rosella Ayane, scored the game’s winning goal in the 95th minute, to stun the home fans who turned up in numbers to support their team.
The Moroccan side managed by coach Jorge Vilda, won the tactical battle against the Bruce Mwape-drilled girls by showcasing a disciplined performance.
Morocco weathered an early Copper Queens storm which culminated into a 33rd minute penalty for Zambia when Moroccan keeper Khadija Rmichi save stopped Prisca Chilufya’s spot kick.
That penalty proved crucial as 12 minutes later at the stroke of half time, Zineb Redouani’s spectacular goal from about 30 yards gave Morocco the lead.
The long range shot proved too good for She-polopolo goalie Eunice Sakala who could do nothing about it.
Just when it looked like Morocco could register a slender 1-nil victory, Lushomo Mweemba scored an equaliser to send the home crowd into total frenzy.
At this point when it looked like the match would end in a draw, Ayane scored the winning goal, deep into added time, a few moments before full time.
Zambia will need to overturn this result the hard way by beating Morocco in their own back yard.
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