Barbra Banda Shines with Four Goals in Zambia's WAFCON Opener

Captain Barbra Banda was named Woman of the Match after producing a sensational four-goal performance to inspire the Copper Queens to a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt in their opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026.

Banda was directly involved in five of Zambia's six goals, scoring four times and providing an assist as the Copper Queens stormed to the top of Group C with one of the tournament's most dominant displays.

Zambia took the lead through Racheal Nachula, who converted from the penalty spot after Banda was fouled inside the area. The captain then scored from another penalty before adding a second from open play to put Zambia firmly in control.

She completed her hat-trick late in the match with a composed volley before setting up substitute Eneless Phiri for Zambia's fifth goal. Banda then rounded off a remarkable evening by scoring her fourth goal in the closing stages.

Her outstanding display earned her the Woman of the Match award and saw her finish the day as the tournament's leading scorer.

The emphatic victory gives Zambia the perfect start to their Group C campaign ahead of a highly anticipated clash with reigning champions Nigeria on Saturday.