Zambia should not be disappointed with Morocco WAFCON draw – Kundananji

Zambia national women’s team, Copper Queens, forward Racheal Kundananji has called on her teammates not to be disappointed with the 0-0 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) opening draw against Morocco at Olympic Stadium in Rabat, on Saturday.

The Copper Queens stunned the home crowd just a minute into the match when Barbra Banda struck early following a high press and sharp finish to give Zambia a 1-0 lead.

Morocco responded in the 12th minute, winning a penalty after Grace Chanda was judged to have brought down Najat Badri in the box. Ibtissam Jraidi converted from the spot to level the score.

Zambia regained their lead in the 28th minute with a well-executed move, Banda turning provider this time when she threaded a perfect pass for Kundananji, who made no mistake in slotting past the Moroccan goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

However, Morocco found their equaliser late in the game when captain Ghizlane Chebbak scored in the 88th minute, ensuring the hosts avoided defeat on home soil.

Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), says a point against Morocco was a good start for the Copper Queens.

“At a tournament, drawing a game – and the first game for that matter – it’s not good to be disappointed,” the 25-year-old told BBC Sport Africa. “This has just opened our eyes to go and work hard, make sure we manage the game, the next game and take the three points.

“We’re going [to] work on our mistakes.”

On her part, coach Nora Hauptle said: “We are not listening so much on expectations. I think the pressure you create [is] in your inner world. It’s a good start. I would say very entertaining for the spectators – good crowd, good atmosphere – and for me also Morocco is a top team which will battle for the title.”

The Copper Queens will now shift focus to their second Group A fixture against Senegal, scheduled for 9 July 2025 at 18h00CAT at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammédia.