Reigning African Women’s Player of the Year Barbra Banda marked her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debut with a first-minute goal as Zambia and host nation, Morocco, played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the tournament’s opening match on Saturday.
The Orlando Pride star was allowed space to make a solo run towards the Morocco goal before her shot squirmed through goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi to give Zambia the lead after only 58 seconds on the clock at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco wasted little time in getting back on level terms, though, as Ibtissam Jraidi made no mistake from 12 yards in the 12th minute after Zambia defender Grace Chanda conceded a penalty for a foul on Najat Badri, with the penalty awarded after a VAR review.
But Zambia went back ahead after 27 minutes, with Banda involved once again. The fearsome striker sent a defence-splitting pass through to strike partner Rachael Kundananji, who calmly slotted past the Morocco keeper to score.
Despite the hosts dominating possession, it was Zambia that came close to getting another goal as 25-year-old Banda was denied her second of the game just before half-time when her goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Hanane Ait El Haj.
The match looked to be ending without any further goals when Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak struck with two minutes of normal time left, sending a looping effort that left Zambia keeper Petronella Musole rooted to the spot for the equaliser.
Next up for Morocco is a clash with DR Congo while Zambia will take on Senegal.