Copper Queens forward Racheal Kundananji signed off from club duty with an assist in Bay FC’s 2-2 draw away to Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) ahead of her return to national duty.
Kundananji, who started the match at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, played a role in Bay’s second goal after a determined run past goalkeeper Abby Smith set up Rachel Hill for a neat finish in the 58th minute.
Earlier, Houston Dash had taken the lead through Avery Patterson in the 32nd minute, but Bay FC responded in the second half with two quick goals in a space of three minutes.
Penelope Hocking levelled in the 56th minute, scoring her third consecutive goal in as many matches before Kundananji turned provider for Hill to make it 2-1.
However, Houston substitute Messiah Bright netted an 87th-minute equaliser to deny Bay FC maximum points. Kundananji was substituted in the 55th minute for Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala. Bay currently sit 11th in the 14-team NWSL table.
Kundananji now turns her focus to international duty as she heads to join the Copper Queens camp ahead of two high-profile FIFA international friendlies against Botswana and South Africa.
Zambia will face Botswana on 31 May before taking on reigning African champions South Africa on 3 June, with both matches scheduled to be played in South Africa during the FIFA women’s international window.
The friendlies form part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be held in Morocco from 5–26 July 2025.
By FAZ Media
Zambia ku Chalo