The second and final round of the qualifiers for the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 got off to a flying start as the race to a place in Morocco next year edges closer to the closing stages.
After being exempted from the first round of qualifiers, the Copper Queens of Zambia oozed class and experience away from home with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Angola on November 29.
Even after struggling to get into the game for the better part of it, the Zambians eventually found their rhythm to put half a dozen past Angola to set up what should be a comfortable return leg when the two sides meet again in Zambia.
Lushomo Mweemba found the opener in the 40th minute, a goal that subsequently opened the floodgates wide open.
Caf 2023 Women Player of the Year nominee, Barbara Banda showed her class with a stunning hat trick before Ireene Lungu and Rachel Kundananji sealed the victory for the Copper Queens.
In Nairobi, Kenya was held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana in what was a frustrating afternoon for the Harambee Starlets despite enjoying the home advantage.
Keitunetse Dithede opened the scoring for Botswana in the 36th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Three minutes after the resumption, Marjoline Nekesa seized the penalty opportunity, equalizing the scores in the 48th minute but neither side could sneak in a winner.
Harambee Starlets now shift their focus on the second leg in Botswana, set to be played on December 5, 2023. The team travels to Botswana on December 3.
On Thursday, Guinea hosts Mali as African queens Nigeria entertain minnows, Cape Verde. A high-octane clash pitting Senegal against Egypt is tipped to have a lot of goals.
South Africa, fresh from participating in the 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, faces a tricky away match against Burkina Faso.
Neighbours Tanzania welcome Togo as North African side Algeria squares it out with Burundi.
