Host nation Morocco opened the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Zambia in a high-octane Group A clash at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, July 5.
Zambia stunned the home crowd just moments after kick-off when star forward Barbra Banda fired the Copper Queens ahead in the first minute, exploiting a defensive lapse in Morocco’s backline.
The Atlas Lionesses responded quickly, with striker Ibtissam Jraïdi converting from the penalty spot in the 12th minute to level the score.
Zambia, however, were not finished. In the 28th minute, Racheal Kundananji restored her team’s lead, capitalizing on sustained pressure and a pinpoint assist to put the Southern Africans back in control.
The home side, backed by a passionate crowd and buoyed by national pride, fought to regain momentum throughout the second half.
Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 87th minute when captain Ghizlane Chebbak unleashed a stunning long-range effort to draw Morocco level and rescue a point.
The result brought an end to the tradition of host nations winning their opening matches, a streak that had lasted eight consecutive editions of the tournament.
Morocco showed resilience and flashes of brilliance but were repeatedly tested by a physically strong and tactically disciplined Zambian side. Both teams now look ahead to their second group fixtures with qualification hopes still firmly alive.
In the next round of Group A matches, Morocco will face DR Congo on Wednesday, July 9, while Zambia will take on Senegal.
The 2024 Women’s AFCON features 12 nations split across three groups. Nigeria, the record holders with eleven titles, remain the favourites as the tournament progresses.
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