Barbra Banda wasted no time making her mark on the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the tournament’s first goal just two minutes into Zambia’s opening match against host nation Morocco on Saturday night in Rabat.
The highly anticipated Group A clash at the Olympic Stadium saw the Copper Queens immediately stamp their authority on proceedings, silencing the home crowd with a lightning-quick start.
Banda, recently crowned African Women’s Player of the Year, lived up to her reputation by clinically finishing an early breakaway to hand Zambia a dream start to the continental showpiece.
Her goal came from a swift counter-attack that caught the Moroccan defence off-guard. Exploiting a pocket of space behind the backline, Banda latched onto a through ball before confidently firing low past the Moroccan goalkeeper.
The finish was as precise as it was powerful — a testament to her sharp instincts and composure under pressure.
Stunned by the early setback, Morocco gradually found their footing and began to press higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. The Atlas Lionesses, buoyed by a vibrant home support, responded with waves of attacking pressure throughout the first half.
Yet Zambia, anchored by a solid defensive structure and inspired goalkeeping from Hazel Nali, held firm and kept the hosts at bay for the remainder of the opening period.
In midfield, the battle was fierce, with both sides showing intensity and aggression. Grace Chanda and Mary Wilombe played key roles in controlling Zambia’s tempo and disrupting Morocco’s rhythm, while Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak tried to inject creativity into the Moroccan attack.
Despite Morocco dominating possession for long spells, it was Banda’s early strike that remained the standout moment of the first half — one that not only set the tone for the match but also the tournament.
The second half brought renewed urgency from the host nation. They piled on the pressure in search of a response, but Zambia’s organisation and discipline made it difficult for Morocco to find clear-cut chances. When openings did arise, Nali stood tall, denying Morocco time and again to preserve Zambia’s narrow lead.
Banda’s influence remained constant throughout the match. Her pace, strength, and positioning continued to trouble the Moroccan backline, and she came close to doubling her tally late in the second half with a curling effort that drifted just wide.
As the final whistle blew, Zambia’s players erupted in celebration, having secured a vital point away from home against one of the tournament favourites.
The early goal by Banda not only proved decisive on the night but also sent a strong message to the rest of the continent: the Copper Queens are here to compete.
Barbra Banda’s clinical finish after just two minutes stands as the first goal of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and a reminder of her status as one of Africa’s premier footballers.
For Morocco, the result leaves work to be done in their next group matches if they are to progress deep into the tournament.
But for now, all eyes are on Banda — the history maker, the game-changer, and the name on everyone’s lips after a dramatic opening night in Rabat.
🏆 𝕎𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜 🏆
⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Zambia get an early goal!
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