Zambia’s women’s soccer team began their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a strong 6-0 win over Egypt in Rabat. Barbra Banda starred in the match, scoring four goals, including two in just three minutes after half-time.
Rachel Nachula put Zambia ahead with a penalty in the 25th minute. Banda scored her first penalty in the 60th minute, then added another goal shortly after to make it 3-0.
She completed her hat-trick with a goal in the 87th minute. Substitute Eneless Phiri contributed Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time, and Banda finished the scoring in the 96th minute.
This result is a great start for Zambia as they aim for their first Women’s AFCON title.
Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 as they produced one of the biggest shocks in TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by beating record champions in their Group C opener on Tuesday night.
The Scorchers, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the 10-time champions with three second-half goals at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
