WAFCON 2026: Zambia Thrash Egypt 6-0 as Barbra Banda Scores Four

Zambia made a flying start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign, thrashing Egypt 6-0 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.

The Copper Queens took control of the game early, with Rachel Nachula opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 25th minute. After the break, Barbra Banda took centre stage. The Zambia captain converted a second penalty in the 60th minute before scoring again just three minutes later to put her side 3-0 ahead.

Banda completed her hat-trick in the 87th minute, putting the result beyond doubt and underlining her influence on the contest. Zambia continued to push forward in the closing stages, with substitute Eneless Phiri adding a fifth goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Banda then completed a remarkable individual performance by scoring her fourth goal in the 96th minute to seal a comprehensive victory for Nora Häuptle’s side.

The result gives Zambia three points and an ideal start to their Group C campaign. Their attention now turns to a major clash against reigning champions Nigeria on Saturday, in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the group stage.

Egypt will also be looking to recover from the heavy defeat when they take on Malawi on Saturday.