2024 Women's AFCON: Clinical Zambia, Morocco narrowly avoid defeat

Africa 05 July 2025 at 18:27

Lydiane N'Po

News Editor

Hosts Morocco were held to a 2-2 draw by Zambia in the opening game of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations this Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Rabat's Olympic Stadium. The Zambians, solid and aggressive up front, stunned the Atlas Lionesses, who ultimately salvaged a point late in the match.

The 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations officially kicked off tonight in Morocco. The tournament's 15th edition began with the hosts facing Zambia in Rabat. Right from the start, the Copper Queens unleashed their attacking firepower and capitalized on their very first chance. Set up by Margaret Belemu, captain Barbra Banda found the net in the opening minute, handing Zambia an early lead.

Morocco hit back before the first quarter-hour mark. Ibtissam Jraïdi converted a penalty with a right-footed strike in the 12th minute, reigniting the battle at the Olympic Stadium. Unfazed by the equalizer, Zambia regained the lead before halftime through Racheal Kundananji, who finished off an assist from Barbra Banda, the early goalscorer.

After the break, Morocco came out transformed. Jorge Vilda's side upped the tempo and pressed forward relentlessly. The Atlas Lionesses finally clawed their way back to level terms in the dying minutes. Ghizlane Chebbak struck home in the 87th minute to rescue a crucial point for Morocco and avert a disastrous start to their campaign. The two sides share the spoils on this opening day of the competition.