Chebbak strikes late as Morocco deny Zambia

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Sunday Jul 06, 2025. 00:46

Morocco fought back to hold Zambia to a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night.

As a result, the two teams started their Group A campaign with a draw, picking up a point ahead of their second matches. Morocco will face off with DR Congo on July 9, while Zambia are scheduled to take on Senegal on the same day.

It took just one minute for the Copper Queens to break the deadlock when Margaret Belemu set up Barbra Banda, who made no mistake as the highly-rated forward found the back of the net to hand Zambia a 1-0 lead.

However, Atlas Lionesses fought back and they managed to level matters after they were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute. Ibtissam Jraidi stepped up and converted the penalty to make it 1-1.

The Copper Queens then applied some pressure and restored their lead three minutes before the half-hour mark and this time, Barbra Banda was the provider. The Orlando Pride star set up Racheal Kundananji, who netted and the score was 2-1 to Zambia at half-time.

The Atlas Lionesses pushed for the equalizing goal after the restart and they managed to score through their inspirational captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who hit the back of the net in the 87th minute and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Morocco (1) 2 (Jraidi 12′, Chebbak 87′)

Zambia (2) 2 (B. Banda 1′, Kundananji 27′)

Morocco XI: Er-Rmichi; Redouani, Mrabet (Mssoudy 61′), Benzina, Ait El Haj, Ouzraoui (Saoud 75′), Badri (Nakkach 86′), Chebbak, Tagnaout, Rabbah, Jraidi (Lahmari 86′)

Zambia XI: Musole, Belemu, Chilufya (Mukoma 67′), Mweemba, Wilombe, Lungu, Maluba, Chanda (Mupopo 78′), Kundananji, Nachula, B. Banda