HOSTS of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco, scored a late goal to earn a 2-2 draw with Zambia in the opening match of the tournament on last night in Rabat.
Zambia, who finished third at the last WAFCON in 2022 also in Morocco, drew first blood, stunning the home crowd with a goal inside the opening minute.
Barbra Banda capitalised on space just outside the box to unleashing a powerful low shot into the bottom left corner following a rapid counter-attack initiated by Margaret Belemu.
Morocco were stung by the goal and put the Zambians under pressure in search for the equaliser.
The Atlas Lionesses were duly rewarded for their endeavour in the 12th minute after Najat Badri was brought down by Grace Chanda in the penalty area.
Following a brief VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and Ibtissam Jraïdi stepped up to level the scores with a composed strike into the top left corner.
Zambia were back in front in the 27th minute, as Banda turned provider, slicing through the Moroccan defence with a perfectly timed through ball that found Racheal Kundananji.
The striker was clinical, finishing coolly past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi to restore Zambia’s lead.
The first half ended 2-1 in Zambia’s favour, with the visitors looking the more clinical side. Morocco, meanwhile, were left frustrated by a series of near misses and wasteful finishing, particularly from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak.
Morocco came close on several occasions to level up, and they finally found the breakthrough three minutes from time.
Chebbak picked up the ball outside the box and struck a brilliant shot into the top corner, levelling the match at 2-2 and sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
The result marks the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host team has failed to win their opening match, ending an eight-edition streak.