Rachel Kundananji scored a hat-trick to help the Copper Queens to a 4-2 win over Namibia in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifier.
The Copper Queens survived a second half scare from a resilient Brave Gladiators side to secure a comfortable win.
Rachel Kundananji and Nachula put Zambia ahead in the first half with close range goals within the first 20 minutes after being set up by Eneless Phiri and Grace Chanda respectively.
Ivon Kooper pulled one back in the 52nd minute with a brilliant finish inside the box before Zanetha Coleman could pull them level from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
Kundananji put the Copper Queens back in the lead with a powerful shot before completing her hat-trick to restore the two goal cushion for the Copper Queens.
Zambia held on to win the match 4-2. The second leg will take place on Sunday, October 26th at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
2026 WAFCON Qualifier Final Round First Leg
Full-Time
Namibia 2-4 Zambia
(Ivon Kooper 52′, Zanetha Coleman 59′ pen | Rachel Kundananji 13′,71′,90+4′, Rachel Nachula 17′)
WELL done Coach Norah and team for the job well done we now focus on the home turf & plan for March next year.
Glad the coach will be qualifying the team for the first time through her system. Curious to see how the next WAFCON goes. Hopefuly we qualify for World Cup games.
Lets finish the job in Ndola girls.