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Copper Queens forward Racheal Kundananji’s early strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo and seal Zambia’s spot in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024.
The win at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia means Zambia finish second in Group A on seven points, level with hosts Morocco, but separated on goal difference.
The Copper Queens will now face the winners of Group B on 18 July at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Kundananji, in red-hot form throughout the group stage, netted her third goal of the tournament in just the ninth minute, firing home a powerful freekick that beat Congolese goalkeeper Ruth Khonde at her near post.
The goal made history, as Kundananji became the first Zambian to score in three consecutive WAFCON matches and equaled her tally from the 2018 edition.
The Bay FC striker was also named Woman of the Match, her second such award of the tournament.
Coach Nora Häuptle named a bold starting XI, handing 17-year-old Mercy Chipasula her WAFCON debut, making her one of the youngest players at the tournament.
Fridah Mukoma also earned her first start after impressing off the bench in the previous two games. Regular starter Grace Chanda was suspended, while winger Xiomara Mapepa missed out due to medical reasons.
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Despite several changes to the lineup, Zambia remained composed and assertive throughout the contest. Captain Barbra Banda and midfielder Ireen Lungu threatened in attack, while Ngambo Musole stood firm in goal, producing a brilliant first-half save to deny DR Congo’s Merveille Kanjinga.
DR Congo’s hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 69th minute when Falonne Kuzoya was sent off following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Lungu.
Saturday’s victory marked several firsts for the Copper Queens. For the first time in WAFCON history, Zambia scored in every group match and they opened the scoring in all three group games.
The Copper Queens remain unbeaten in seven consecutive WAFCON group matches (Won four, drew three).
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