Morocco 2 – 2 Zambia
Barbra Banda needed only one minute after the kickoff whistle to run toward the Moroccan side and strike from outside the box, giving her team an early lead. The Orlando Pride forward is currently Africa’s all-time top scorer in Olympic football, and she aims to replicate her global success at the continental level. This was her 57th goal in 63 international appearances. She is the current CAF Player of the Year, and this was a stellar way for her to start the tournament.
In the 12th minute, Morocco was awarded a penalty after Najat Badri was tackled by the Zambian defense. Ibtissam Jraïdi converted the penalty kick to make the score 1-1.
A little over ten minutes later, Racheal Kundananji, the Bay FC forward in the NWSL, netted a second goal to give the Copper Queens a lead which they maintained.
The second half showed improvement for the Moroccan team, which gained better control of the ball and created more chances at the opponent’s goal. Ghizlane Chebbak, who missed a shot in the 85th minute, scored on her second attempt of the game to give the hosts a much-needed draw (2-2).
Other Games Played Over the Weekend
Group A
- Senegal 4 – 0 DR Congo
Group B
- Nigeria 3 – 0 Tunisia
- Algeria 1 – 0 Botswana
Group C games will be held on July 7th, featuring South Africa (reigning champions) against Ghana and Mali versus Tanzania.
