Table of Contents
Morocco were left to dig deep on home soil as they clawed back to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against Zambia in a pulsating Group A opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday night at the Stade Olympique, Rabat.
It was a match that had everything; goals, grit, and late drama, as both sides put on a thrilling display to set the tone for what promises to be a gripping tournament.
Banda strikes early to silence Rabat
The Copper Queens didn’t waste a second.
Barbra Banda, Zambia’s talisman, stunned the Moroccan crowd inside the first minute with a low, thunderous strike into the bottom corner after Margaret Belemu’s lightning-quick breakaway.
Zambia’s aggressive and purposeful start caught Morocco flat-footed, and for a moment, the stadium fell silent.
Jraïdi celebrates the leveller with her teammates.
[Credit: CAF Women on (X)]
Jraïdi levels after VAR drama
But the Atlas Lionesses responded with fire. Their growing pressure forced a defensive slip when Najat Badri was tripped by Grace Chanda in the box.
After a quick VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot; and Ibtissam Jraïdi held her nerve, sending the ball into the top left corner to make it 1-1 in the 12th minute.
Article Page with Financial Support Promotion
Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.
Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.
Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.
Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
x
Do this later
Kundananji restores Zambia’s lead
Zambia weren’t done. In the 27th minute, Banda turned creator, slipping a surgical through-ball into the path of Racheal Kundananji, who slotted past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi with effortless composure.
Despite Morocco’s attacking intent, wasteful finishing from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak meant the first half ended with Zambia in front; and fully deserving of their lead.
Chebbak to the rescue with late screamer
The second half was all Morocco. They dominated possession, pushed higher up the pitch, and created chance after chance.
Sanaâ Mssoudy forced a world-class save from Zambian keeper Ng’ambo Musole, while the Moroccan midfield dictated the tempo.
Just when it seemed Zambia might steal all three points, up stepped Chebbak, Morocco’s skipper and heartbeat.
READ ALSO: CWC: Bayern suffer Musiala blow as PSG, Real Madrid advance into semi-final
In the 87th minute, she unleashed a ferocious strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner to level it 2-2; a moment of brilliance that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Spoils shared, history made
Neither side could find a winner in the final minutes, and the match ended in a thrilling, fair draw.
But the result was historic: for the first time since 2004, a WAFCON host has failed to win their opening match, snapping an eight-edition streak.
Next up: Super Falcons ready to take flight
With Group A wide open, both Morocco and Zambia will eye their next fixtures with renewed urgency.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be looking to announce themselves in style as they kick off their Group B campaign today at 5 p.m.Nigerian time; a clash that could set the tone for their title chase.
Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
Make Contribution
TEXT AD: Call Willie – +2348098788999
