Copper Queens rally to beat Senegal 3-2, keep WAFCON quarterfinal hope alive

The Copper Queens produced a spirited comeback to defeat Senegal 3-2 in a pulsating Group A clash at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia to keep their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) hopes firmly on track.

Zambia responded emphatically after going behind early to claim their first-ever open-play victory over Senegal at WAFCON and extending their unbeaten run in the group stages to six matches (three wins and three draws).

The West Africans made a lightning-fast start, with in-form striker Nguenar Ndiaye opening the scoring in the 5th minute after being teed up by Meita Kande, who registered her second assist of the tournament.

Zambia responded almost immediately when captain Barbra Banda, assisted by Racheal Kundananji, slotted home her second goal of the tournament to level the scores in the 12th minute.

Banda had a goal ruled out for offside just before halftime, with the teams going into the interval tied 1-1.

After the restart, Zambia turned on the style. Kundananji put the Southern Africans ahead with a composed finish before Banda struck again to make it 3-1, becoming the first Zambian to score in consecutive WAFCON matches.

Senegal pulled one back via Ndiaye again, who converted from the spot to bring her tournament tally to six goals and her third goal in two matches against Zambia.

Despite late pressure from the Senegalese, including 10 minutes of stoppage time, the Zambian defense held firm with Ngambo Musole making a crucial late save from Sadigatou Diallo.

The result sees Zambia and Morocco level on points at the top of Group A, but the Atlas Lionesses lead the standings on goal difference after also coming from behind to beat DR Congo 4-2 in the group’s other fixture.

The Copper Queens will wrap up their group campaign on Saturday, taking on bottom-placed DR Congo, while Morocco face Senegal in a potentially decisive clash.

A win for Zambia will guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals, with goal difference possibly determining who finishes top.

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