WAFCON 2024: Barbra Banda credits Zambia win against Senegal to ‘great team effort’

Zambia women’s national team captain Barbra Banda has credited the team’s first win at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to great team work.

In the fixture at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, the Copper Queens responded to their frustrating 2-2 draw against hosts Morocco in their group opener to beat Senegal 3-2 and demonstrate their quest to fight for the title.

Banda led the way for Zambia after she cancelled out an early goal for Senegal courtesy of Nguenar Ndiaye and make it 1-1. Six minutes into the second half, Zambia retook their lead after Kundananji turned the scorer this time, showing poise in the box to convert.

Banda, who had terrorised the Senegalese defence all game, extended Zambia’s lead in the 73rd minute with her second of the night, reacting fastest to a corner and firing home from close range. Despite Senegal pulling a goal back through Ndiaye, who converted from the penalty spot, Zambia held on to secure the vital win.

Speaking after the game, Banda, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League club Orlando Pride, said: “What a match, what a performance, great team effort to get the win. Happy to contribute two goals. We are Copper Queens. On to the next game.”

The victory lifted Copper Queens to four points in Group A, while Senegal, who had been eyeing early qualification, must now regroup ahead of their final group match.