Barbra Banda led Zambia to an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt in their opening match of WAFCON 2026, securing the top position in Group C. The Orlando Pride forward showcased her striking prowess by netting four goals, dominating the encounter from start to finish.
The match began with Zambia imposing intense pressure on Egypt’s defense, a strategy that paid off before halftime. Zambia earned a penalty after Banda was fouled inside the box, which Racheal Nachula successfully converted to put Zambia ahead. This early breakthrough set the tone for the rest of the game.
Barbra Banda Dominates Egypt in Second Half
After the interval, Zambia’s offensive onslaught intensified. Banda opened her personal account with a penalty in the 60th minute, quickly followed by a headed goal three minutes later that extended the lead. She completed her hat trick by capitalizing on a scrappy corner situation and later sealed her fourth goal by finishing off a precise cross from Racheal Kundananji.
Adding to Zambia’s tally, Eneless Phiri scored from distance, assisted by Banda’s well-placed pass, further demonstrating Zambia’s attacking depth and cohesion.
Despite the lopsided score, Egypt displayed resilience throughout the match. Goalkeeper Maha Shehata, battling a shoulder injury, made multiple crucial saves, striving to keep her team in contention. However, Zambia’s relentless offense ultimately proved too formidable.
Zambia Secures Group C Lead at WAFCON 2026
With this dominant performance, Zambia not only opened their WAFCON 2026 campaign on a high note but also established themselves as the team to beat in Group C. The comprehensive victory underscores Zambia’s attacking capabilities and sets a strong foundation as the tournament progresses.