Barbra Banda delivered a sensational performance with four goals as Zambia dismantled Egypt 6-0 in their opening Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Tuesday.
The emphatic victory is the biggest win recorded so far at the 16-team tournament, eclipsing hosts Morocco’s 4-0 triumph over Kenya earlier in the competition.
The result sends Zambia to the top of Group C with three points, ahead of defending champions Nigeria, record 10-time winners, and tournament debutants Malawi.
Banda, the 26-year-old Orlando Pride striker, showcased her world-class quality at the Olympic Stadium, underlining why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest female footballers.
Despite dominating the opening half, Zambia went into the break with only a one-goal advantage after veteran forward Racheal Nachula calmly converted a penalty in the 33rd minute following a foul on Banda by Amira Mohamed.
Zambia doubled their lead just after the hour mark when Mohamed was penalised again, this time for handball inside the box. Banda stepped up and confidently sent goalkeeper Maha Shehata the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Three minutes later, Banda grabbed her second of the evening, rising to head home at the near post after goalkeeper Shehata misjudged Prisca Chilufya’s delivery.
With Egypt struggling to cope, Banda completed her hat-trick late in the game after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and finishing from close range.
Substitute Eneless Phiri added Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time before Banda capped a remarkable display with her fourth of the night, firing a low shot past Shehata at the near post to seal a commanding 6-0 victory.
