Barbra Banda strikes on return for Orlando Pride

Zambia national women’s team striker Barbra Banda announced her return to action from a lengthy injury lay-off with a goal for Orlando Pride in America on Sunday.

The hosts lost 1-2 to Settle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match, but there was a positive feeling for the Pride family to see the Copper Queens captain back in action for the first time since 16 August 2025.

How Barbra Banda equalized for Orlando Pride

The 26-year-old needed only 51 minutes on the pitch to find the back of the net.

Welcome to the party, Orlando 🪩 pic.twitter.com/HJcMNAAFpV

— Orlando Pride (@ORLPride) March 15, 2026

Banda shrugged off her markers on the left, then burst into the box before finishing with a low right-footed effort for the equalizer at Inter & Co Stadium.

The 2024-2025 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year pulled Pride FC level after midfielder Jess Fishlock had put Reign FC ahead in the 24th minute. The visitors scored the winner through Brittany Ratcliffe with seven minutes to the full time of the NWSL match.

A fit-again skipper is also what Zambia need ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled from July 15 to August 16, 2026.

When did Barbra Banda suffer the injury?

The one-time FIFA Best Women’s Footballer of the Year nominee was out of action for eight months. Banda had picked the injury during a draw against Malawian Temwa Chawinga-led Kansas City on August 16, 2025.

The Zambian had scored eight goals in 16 appearances for Pride before she picked the injury.

More goals will be expected from Banda when Pride return to action on Friday to host Denver Summit FC.