WAFCON star Barbra Banda rallies Orlando Pride after scoring

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) star Barbra Banda has sent a message to her Orlando Pride FC team-mates after scoring in America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Saturday.

The Zambia women’s national team skipper found the back of the net with three minutes remaining for Pride to break the resistance of North Carolina Courage FC with a 1-0 victory.

Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Banda danced her way past markers then cut inside before placing a long-range low bouncing effort to the far corner of the net. Courage FC named Malawi-born Nigeria women’s team hopeful Chioma Okafor on the substitutes bench.

The eighth goal in eight NWSL games put the WAFCON-bound striker still at the summit of the Golden Boot Award race.

Banda speaks about ‘little contribution’

Reacting to her performance via her X handle, the Copper Queens on-field leader downplayed her exploits describing it as a little contribution.

“Happy to be back to winning ways,” the 26-year-old tweeted. “A little contribution of a winning goal as well.”

The African star has now scored in three matches on the trot, totalling five goals during that run.

The forward, who will lead the Copper Queens at the forthcoming WAFCON finals in Morocco, has since urged her team-mates to maintain the winning momentum, saying: “Let’s build on this. We are Orlando Pride.”

Next assignments for Orlando Pride

The Pride will now play three consecutive games on the road starting with a trip in Boston to face Boston Legacy FC at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, May 12. Kick-off is 7:00pm American Time. The next away assignment is on Sunday, 17 May against Denver Summit FC before winding up with San Diego Wave FC on 25 May.

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