Zambia Edge Past Congo DR to secure knockout stage qualification
Racheal Kundananji's early strike proved decisive as Zambia claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo DR in their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group A on Saturday, 12 July.
The Copper Queens took the lead in the 9th minute when Kundananji stepped up and curled a low free kick beyond the outstretched arms of Ruth Khonde, igniting the home crowd at the Stade el Bachir.
Zambia dominated possession for large spells and created numerous opportunities to double their advantage. Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya both came close in the closing stages, with Banda seeing multiple headers miss narrowly in added time.
DR Congo, meanwhile, showed resilience despite being reduced to ten players in the 69th minute. A VAR review saw Falonne Pambani's yellow card upgraded to red following a dangerous challenge on Ireen Lungu, further complicating the visitors' hopes of a comeback.
Ng'ambo Musole stood firm between the posts for Zambia, making crucial saves to deny DR Congo's Anastasia Soulac and Merveille Kanjinga, whose efforts were some of the few bright sparks for the visitors.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, DR Congo pushed forward late on, forcing corners and half-chances, but lacked the clinical edge needed to find the equaliser.
The result sees Zambia advance to the next round of the competition while the Central Africans see the campaign come to an end.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Marc Brys parts ways with Cameroon over unpaid salary - Africa
Belgian coach Marc Brys has resigned as Cameroon's national team manager, the Cameroonian Football Federation (CFF) announced on Wednesday. Brys, who took charge of the Indomitable Lions in April 2024, sent a letter to the Cameroonian Minister of Sports and Physical Education on Monday, citing unpaid salaries for himself and his technical staff for approximately 60 days as the reason for his resignation. Local media reports suggest that strained relations between Brys and Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon legend and president of the (CFF), also contributed to the coach's departure. The reports indicate that disagreements centered on team management and player selection. During his tenure, the 63-year-old guided Cameroon through 12 matches, winning seven and drawing five. Brys's resignation comes at a critical time, with the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco in four months. Cameroon, five-time African champions, has been drawn in a group alongside defending champions Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Mozambique. In the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, Cameroon currently sit second in their group, one point behind leaders Cape Verde, with four matches remaining. The qualification campaign is set to conclude in September and October. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CAF
5 days ago
- CAF
South Africa edge resilient Senegal to advance to TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON semi-finals
Defending champions South Africa are one step closer to retaining their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations crown after edging Senegal in a nerve-wracking quarterfinal decided by penalties on Saturday evening. Following 120 minutes of tense, goalless football, Banyana Banyana triumphed 4–1 in the shootout to secure a semi-final date with Nigeria thanks to heroic saves by Andile Dlamini. The match was a tightly contested affair from the first whistle, with both sides creating chances but lacking the finishing touch. South Africa saw efforts from Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia and Karabo Dhlamini denied by Senegal's resolute defending and the excellent goalkeeping of Adji Ndiaye. Senegal threatened through Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye, but the in-form Dlamini stood tall in goal for South Africa with a commanding performance, including crucial saves late in the match. VAR waved off a potential South African penalty, and chances remained few and far between as both teams prepared for a decisive shootout. In the penalty drama that followed, it was Dlamini who emerged as the hero, making two decisive saves—first denying Nguenar Ndiaye and then Méta Kandé—to swing the momentum firmly in South Africa's favour. Karabo Dhlamini, Tiisetso Makhubela, Gabriela Salgado, and Bambanani Mbane all converted with precision, showing nerves of steel. Mbane's top-corner finish sealed a 4–1 shootout win and sent South Africa into a blockbuster semi-final against familiar foes Nigeria.
CAF
5 days ago
- CAF
Ghana edge Algeria in penalty drama to reach TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Semi-Finals
Ghana secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Algeria, following a goalless draw after extra time at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. The highly anticipated quarter-final clash was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides showing defensive resilience but unable to find the breakthrough in 120 minutes of play. Ghana thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Despite several efforts from the likes of Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu, the Black Queens were denied by a spirited Algerian backline and goalkeeper Chloé N'Gazi. Algeria, playing with determination and energy, also created chances, particularly through Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur, but Cynthia Konlan in Ghana's goal stood firm, making crucial saves during regular time and extra time. With the match heading to penalties, it was Ghana who held their nerve from the spot. Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero, saving efforts from Marine Dafeur and Inès Belloumou to give her side the edge in the shootout. Josephine Bonsu, Doris Boaduwaa, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, and Evelyn Badu all converted for Ghana, while Sofia Guellati and Laura Muller were successful for Algeria. Konlan's heroics ensured a 4-2 win on penalties and booked Ghana a place in the final four. Penalty Shootout Summary: Josephine Bonsu – Goal (GHA) Sofia Guellati – Goal (ALG) Doris Boaduwaa – Goal (GHA) Marine Dafeur – Saved (ALG) Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah – Goal (GHA) Inès Belloumou – Saved (ALG) Laura Muller – Goal (ALG) Evelyn Badu – Goal (GHA) Ghana will now face the winner of the Nigeria vs. South Africa quarter-final in what promises to be another thrilling encounter as they continue their quest for continental glory.
