Morocco came from behind twice on Saturday night to draw 2-2 with Zambia in the opening match of the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The 2024 WAFCON has finally kicked off in Morocco with the 12 qualified national teams geared up to fight for glory.
Host nation Morocco hoped for a winning start to the tournament in their first game against Zambia’s Copper Queens, but were met with fierce opposition.
In an exciting contest played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Zambia had a bright start to the contest and scored after just 1 minute into the first half.
Star forward Barbra Banda showed her pace and power in the opening minute to shoot the Copper Queens into the lead.
Pegged behind, Morocco had to regroup and fight for a way back. The host’s efforts paid off in the 12th minute when the team was awarded a penalty kick.
Experienced striker Ibtissam Jraidi stepped up and converted from 12 yards to level the score.
Although Racheal Kundananji would equalize in the 27th minute to restore the lead for Zambia’s Copper Queens, Morocco refused to back down in the second half.
The hosts equalised through a strike from talisman Ghizlane Chebbak to force the match to end in a 2-2 stalemate after both teams had squandered several goal-scoring opportunities.
After the draw between Morocco and Zambia, Senegal will take on DR Congo in the second match of the tournament on Sunday afternoon.
