Barbra Banda Hits Four as Zambia Thrash Egypt 6-0 in WAFCON Opener

Posted : 29 July 2026

Zambia captain Barbra Banda produced a sensational performance, scoring four goals and setting up another as the Copper Queens cruised to a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The reigning African Women's Footballer of the Year was at the heart of Zambia's dominant display, contributing to five of her team's six goals to send the Copper Queens to the top of the group and underline their status as genuine title contenders.

Zambia controlled the contest from the opening whistle and created several early chances. Banda threatened in the eighth minute but was denied by Egypt goalkeeper Habiba El Saadi, while Racheal Kundananji came close midway through the first half with a header that drifted narrowly wide.

Egypt briefly threatened through Nadin Ghazy, whose long-range effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Natasha Nali. However, Zambia quickly regained control and continued to pile pressure on the Egyptian defence.

The breakthrough came before halftime when Banda was fouled inside the penalty area. Avell Chitundu Nachula stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to hand Zambia a deserved lead heading into the break.

The second half belonged entirely to Banda.

A VAR review awarded Zambia another penalty after Prisca Chilufya's cross struck the arm of an Egyptian defender. Banda confidently converted from the spot to double her side's advantage before adding a second from open play minutes later, finishing clinically after connecting with Chilufya's precise delivery.

The Orlando Pride striker completed her hat-trick in the 86th minute with a composed volley after Egypt failed to clear their lines. She then turned provider, setting up substitute Eneless Phiri, who finished confidently to make it 5-0.

Banda capped a memorable evening by scoring her fourth goal in the closing moments, taking her tally to four goals in a single match and moving to the top of the tournament's scoring chart.

The emphatic victory gives Zambia the perfect start to their Group C campaign and provides a significant boost ahead of Saturday's highly anticipated showdown with defending champions Nigeria. The match is expected to play a major role in deciding which team finishes top of the group.

For Egypt, the heavy defeat leaves them with plenty of work to do. They will look to revive their qualification hopes when they face tournament debutants Malawi in their second group fixture.

With Banda and Kundananji leading the attack, Zambia have sent a strong message to the rest of the field that they are determined to challenge for their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.

Barbra Banda Hits Four as Zambia Thrash Egypt 6-0 in WAFCON Opener

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