Zambia captain Barbra Banda led by example scoring a late goal as Copper Queens defeated Morocco 2-1 and advance to their second consecutive Olympic women’s football tournament.
Having lost the first leg 2-1 at home, the Copper Queens made their intentions clear from the start, as the trio of Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Prisca Chilufya went all in looking for an early goal.
Although Morocco appeared to be tactically sound, Banda broke the deadlock in the 38th minute by beating two defenders, including the goalkeeper, and slotting home in an open net courtesy of a well-timed pass by Chilufya.
Zambia led at halftime, and Morocco came out hungry after the break, but Musole was up to the task of keeping the Copper Queens ahead. The Moroccans began to press, primarily on the counterattack, and came close to equalizing, with keeper Ngambo Musole making the best save of her career right on the goal line.
With both teams wasting numerous opportunities, Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga blew the final whistle of regular time, ending the match 2-2 on aggregate and sending it into extra time.
The first half of extra time produced no goals; however, in the second half, Banda beat her marker again and whipped in a cross in the box, which landed on the Moroccan defender’s arm, earning the Copper Queens a penalty in the 105th minute.
There was no way Banda, the record African Olympic scorer, could miss from the spot, and she converted with ease to send the Copper Queens to the Olympics.Zambia will be in Group B, alongside, Germany, Australia, and the USWNT.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is the other African country that confirmed its qualification for the Olympics for the first time in 16 years after beating South Africa 1-0 following a 0-0 draw on Tuesday. The Olympic women’s football tournament will begin on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
