ZAMBIA THROUGH TO WAFCON QUARTERS AFTER RECORD-BREAKING GROUP RUN

13.07.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

The Copper Queens have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

Kundananji Makes History

Star striker Racheal Kundananji was once again the difference-maker, rifling in a powerful freekick in the 9th minute that left DR Congo goalkeeper Ruth Khonde with no chance. The Bay FC forward’s strike was her third of the tournament, making her the first Zambian ever to score in three consecutive WAFCON matches — and matching her tally from the 2018 edition.

Kundananji’s stellar performance also earned her a second Woman of the Match award at this year’s competition, underlining her crucial role in Zambia’s campaign.

Bold Calls Pay Off for Häuptle

Coach Nora Häuptle opted for an adventurous lineup, handing 17-year-old Mercy Chipasula her WAFCON debut — making her one of the youngest players at the tournament. Fridah Mukoma was also rewarded with her first start after bright cameos in the previous games.

Regular forward Grace Chanda missed out due to suspension, while influential winger Xiomara Mapepa was sidelined for medical reasons. Despite these changes, the Copper Queens looked composed and confident, dictating the tempo and creating several chances through captain Barbra Banda and midfield dynamo Ireen Lungu.

Goalkeeper Ngambo Musole was equally impressive, pulling off a superb first-half save to deny DR Congo’s Merveille Kanjinga and preserve Zambia’s slender lead.

DR Congo Reduced to Ten

DR Congo’s task grew even harder in the 69th minute when Falonne Kuzoya was shown a straight red card after a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Lungu. From then on, Zambia managed the game expertly to seal all three points.

A Record-Breaking Group Stage

Saturday’s victory meant Zambia finished second in Group A with seven points, level with hosts Morocco but edged into second place on goal difference.

The Copper Queens’ group campaign was one for the history books:

They scored in every group match for the first time ever at WAFCON.

Opened the scoring in all three group games.

Extended their unbeaten run in WAFCON group stages to seven matches (four wins, three draws).

Next Up: Quarterfinal Test

Zambia will now head to Casablanca, where they’ll face the winners of Group B on 17 July at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. With Kundananji in red-hot form and a resilient squad showing both flair and fight, the Copper Queens will fancy their chances of reaching new heights at WAFCON 2024.