Racheal Kundananji’s stunning free-kick fired Zambia into the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, sealing a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Mohammédia.
Despite the win, the Copper Queens were pipped to the top of Group A by hosts Morocco, who edged Senegal 1-0 in Rabat.
Zambia wasted no time making their mark, as Bay FC star Kundananji found the net just eight minutes into the game.
Barbra Banda smartly stepped aside for the free-kick, allowing Kundananji to blast a low drive that slipped under DR Congo goalkeeper Ruth Khonde Kashala.
It was a moment Khonde, in for the misfiring Fideline Ngoy, will want to forget, having got a hand to the ball but failing to stop it.
DR Congo’s goalkeeping woes remained a theme throughout the match. In the 29th minute, Kundananji tried her luck again from distance. Khonde parried the initial shot but managed to recover at the second attempt.
Zambia continued to apply pressure, with Banda threatening in the 40th minute after weaving her way past a defender. However, her shot from a tight angle could only find the side-netting.
Though Zambia controlled much of the game, their known defensive vulnerabilities occasionally showed.
DR Congo grew more confident in the second half until a moment of recklessness from Falonne Pambani derailed their efforts.
A dangerous high boot to Ireen Lungu’s head earned her a straight red card in the 69th minute, leaving her side down to 10 players.
Zambia nearly doubled their lead in the 82nd minute through Prisca Chilufya, but her effort from the edge of the area missed the target.
Banda also came close in added time, rising above Khonde to meet a lofted ball but heading over from close range.
Despite finishing the group stage unbeaten with seven points and a +2 goal difference, Zambia were edged out of top spot by Morocco, who secured their place at the summit with a narrow win over Senegal.
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco were dominant throughout the first half, with captain Ghizlane Chebbak pulling the strings.
She missed a glaring opportunity after rounding goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye, firing wide with an open goal ahead.
A moment of madness from Ndiaye soon followed, as she struck Ibtissam Jraïdi with her elbow, conceding a penalty. Yasmin Mrabet made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way. Ndiaye was lucky to remain on the pitch.
Chebbak thought she had added a second in stoppage time with a cheeky chip, only for the flag to deny her due to a marginal offside.
Morocco’s win put them on seven points with a goal difference of +3, edging out Zambia to finish top.
Both teams advanced to the quarterfinals, while Senegal, with three points and a +2 goal difference, still have a shot at progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Attention now turns to Group B, concluding on Sunday. Nigeria, already through to the quarterfinals, face Algeria with first place in the group up for grabs.
Meanwhile, Tunisia and Botswana will battle for a potential spot in the knockouts. Both matches will kick off in Casablanca.
