Morocco held to draw by Zambia in WAFCON 2024 opener

Hosts Morocco were held to a 2-2 draw by Zambia in a thrilling opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Olympique in Rabat on Saturday night.

Zambia made a stunning start, scoring in under a minute through captain Barbra Banda, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner after a swift counter-attack led by Margaret Belemu.

Morocco responded quickly and earned a penalty in the 12th minute when Najat Badri was fouled by Grace Chanda. After a VAR check, Ibtissam Jraïdi calmly converted to level the score.

But Zambia struck again in the 27th minute. Banda turned provider with a perfectly timed pass to Racheal Kundananji, who slotted home to restore the visitors’ lead.

The first half ended 2-1 in Zambia’s favour, with Morocco ruing missed chances from Fatima Tagnaout and Ghizlane Chebbak.

In the second half, Morocco pushed forward relentlessly. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Chebbak curled a stunning effort into the top corner to make it 2-2.

Despite a frantic finish, neither team could find a winner. The result marks the first time since 2004 that a WAFCON host has failed to win their opening game.

Both teams now shift focus to their remaining Group A matches with qualification still wide open.