Two of Africa's best players turned on the style as hosts Morocco struck late to earn themselves a 2-2 draw against Zambia in an open and entertaining first game of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
The match kicked off with a minute’s silence in honour of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who died on Friday at the age of 61.
Zambia broke the deadlock inside one minute through reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda. The Copper Queens captain found the bottom corner just 58 seconds into the encounter after driving at the Moroccan defence.
Morocco, however, drew level in the 12th minute through Ibtissam Jraidi, who converted a penalty after Najat Badri was brought down in the box.
Racheal Kundananji restored the Copper Queens’ lead 15 minutes later. The Bay FC forward placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi after latching on to a pass from Banda.
Zambia failed to add to their tally, and the Atlas Lionesses made them rue their missed chances late in the game.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak made them pay in the 87th minute with an early Goal of the Tournament contender. The 34-year-old fired the ball into the top corner from outside the box, leaving Ngambo Musole helpless.
Morocco and Zambia sit in first and second positions in Group A, with Senegal and DR Congo set to lock horns at El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia on Sunday.
