Zambia captain Barbara Banda was the star of the day as the Copper Queens ran riot against Egypt at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In the game played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and officiated by Ugandan referee Shamirah Nabadda, Banda scored four goals and assisted one as Zambia cruised to a 6-0 win over Egypt in Group C.
Banda, who plies her trade at Orlando Pride in the United States, orchestrated the damage on Egypt, who were returning to this tournament for the first time in ten years.
Despite early resistance from Egypt, when the floodgates opened, there was no stopping the rampant Copper Queens.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th with Racheal Nachula converting from the spot when Banda was fouled in the area.
In the second half, Zambia showed their dominance against a seemingly tiring Egyptian side who couldn’t match the physique of the former.
In the 58th minute, a VAR review awarded Zambia a second penalty after Prisca Chilufya’s cross struck the hand of Amira Mohamed.
The skipper, Banda, stepped up to double Zambia’s advantage and open her scoring account at the tournament.
She would go on to score three more goals and also set up substitute Eneless Phiri for Zambia to get a commanding win.
Zambia take early charge of Group C and will return to action on Saturday against Nigeria, while Egypt will take on Malawi on the same day.
