The Copper Queens ended their 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with mixed emotions after defeating Malawi 2-1 in their final Group C match but still falling short of a place in the knockout stage. Zambia delivered a determined performance and collected all three points, yet the result was not enough to secure qualification because of the tournament’s tiebreaker rules. The team finished the group stage with six points, the same total that kept hopes alive until the final whistle. However, Malawi and Nigeria advanced from Group C after edging Zambia on the competition’s qualification criteria. The outcome was a painful reminder that success in tournament football often depends not only on winning matches but also on goal difference and other deciding factors.
Zambia could not have wished for a better start as captain Barbra Banda gave her side the lead inside the opening minute of the match. The prolific forward continued her outstanding tournament by unleashing a powerful long-range effort that beat the Malawi goalkeeper and found the back of the net. The goal marked her fifth of the competition, strengthening her position as the tournament’s leading scorer and once again highlighting her importance to the Copper Queens. Banda’s early strike energized the Zambian players and immediately placed Malawi under pressure. The fast start also gave Zambia hope that they could record the convincing victory needed to improve their chances of progressing to the next round.
The Copper Queens maintained control for much of the first half and consistently threatened the Malawi defense with attacking football. Zambia nearly doubled their advantage in the 18th minute when Irene Lungu stepped up to take a well-placed free kick that appeared destined for the top corner. Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo reacted brilliantly to push the effort away and deny Zambia another goal. Despite that impressive save, Zambia continued to attack with confidence and showed excellent movement across the field. Their ability to create chances reflected the team’s determination to score as many goals as possible, knowing that every goal could make a difference in the battle for qualification.
The second goal finally arrived eight minutes before halftime following an excellent attacking move down the right side of the pitch. Defender Margaret Belemu produced a precise cutback that found Prisca Chilufya in a dangerous position inside the penalty area. Chilufya remained calm under pressure and finished confidently to give Zambia a deserved 2-0 lead before the break. The goal rewarded the team’s attacking approach and placed the Copper Queens in a strong position heading into the second half. At that stage, there was renewed optimism that Zambia could produce the scoreline needed to remain in the competition.
Malawi refused to surrender and returned after halftime with greater determination to challenge Zambia. Their efforts were rewarded when they pulled one goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and creating a tense atmosphere for the remainder of the match. The goal forced Zambia to continue attacking instead of protecting their lead because goal difference had become increasingly important in the race for qualification. Both teams created opportunities during the closing stages, with Zambia desperately searching for additional goals that could improve their standing in Group C. The match remained competitive until the final whistle, with players from both sides displaying determination and resilience.
As news from the group standings became clear, it emerged that Zambia’s victory would not be enough to extend their stay in the tournament. The Copper Queens completed the group stage with six points, an impressive tally that would often be sufficient to reach the knockout rounds in many competitions. Unfortunately, the tournament’s tiebreaker rules worked against Zambia, allowing Malawi and Nigeria to progress instead. The result highlighted just how competitive Group C had been, with small margins separating success from disappointment. While Zambia celebrated the victory on the field, the realization that their tournament had come to an end quickly overshadowed the positive result.
Although their WAFCON journey ended earlier than expected, the Copper Queens once again demonstrated the quality that has made them one of Africa’s most respected women’s football teams. Barbra Banda delivered another outstanding tournament by leading from the front and consistently finding the back of the net, while players such as Prisca Chilufya, Margaret Belemu and Irene Lungu also made valuable contributions throughout the campaign. The team’s performances showed attacking quality, resilience and a strong competitive spirit even under intense pressure. While the group stage exit will be disappointing for the players, coaching staff and supporters, the experience gained will be valuable as Zambia prepares for future international competitions. The Copper Queens leave the 2026 TotalEnergies WAFCON with pride in their fighting spirit, even though a 2-1 victory over Malawi ultimately proved insufficient to keep their title hopes alive.