Namibia’s slim hopes of qualifying for the Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco next year finally disappeared on Sunday when they lost 3-0 to Zambia.
After losing the first leg 4-2 in Johannesburg four days earlier, the Brave Gladiators were on the back foot heading into the return leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the northern Zambian city of Ndola.
The Copper Queens went on the early offensive with Prisca Chilufya hitting the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Eneles Phiri and Chilufya continued to test Namibia’s defence before Rachael Kundananji opened their account, scoring from a Grace Chanda corner midway through the first half.
Gladiators coach Lucky Kakuva brought on Asteria Angula for Julia Rutjindo, but Phiri soon increased their lead with a great shot from a throughball by Kundananji.
Chilufya sealed a commanding win for Zambia when she scored their third goal early in the second half.
That sealed a 7-2 aggregate victory for Zambia, who now become the first nation besides hosts Morocco, to qualify for the 2026 Wafcon slated for Morocco from 17 March to 3 April next year.
Ghana, meanwhile, could soon join them, after stunning Egypt with a 3-0 victory in Cairo in their first-leg qualifier on Saturday.
The Confederation of Africa Football reported that the Black Queens leaned on experience and ruthlessness against ‘an attractive but fragile Egypt side.’
Doris Boaduwaa broke the deadlock just before half-time in the 42nd minute, rewarding clear visiting dominance.
The ZFK Spartak Subotica forward met a right-wing cross first time, leaving the Egyptian goalkeeper rooted.
After the break, Ghana showed maturity – soaking up pressure before accelerating late on.
Mavis Amponsah (85’) doubled the lead with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, before Grace Asantewaa sealed it on 90 minutes with a classy combination and finish.
A convincing victory puts Ghana in an ideal position before the return leg in Accra.
For Egypt, it was a sobering defeat. Despite occasional flashes down the flanks, their bite in the final third was missing. An away-leg turnaround will require something monumental.
In Luanda, Angola and Malawi could not be separated in a goalless draw.
The match was intense but disjointed, lacking the technical precision to truly catch fire.
The Malawian Scorchers created the better chances, notably through Tabitha Chawinga, whose pace repeatedly stretched the Angolan back line. Twice, goalkeeper Rosa Ilunga produced the saves required to keep the hosts level.
Angola rallied late on. Youngster Carla Vunge crashed a 79th minute effort against the bar – symbolic of a team still searching for accuracy with the final touch.
Everything now shifts to Lilongwe, where Malawi will count on home support and a marginal edge thanks to their defensive rigour and collective organisation.
The day’s marquee moment came in Bir El Djir, where Algeria claimed a precious 2–1 win over Cameroon.
Fuelled by a high-octane first half, Algeria struck with two moments of clinical quality through Ghoutia Karchouni and Marine Dafeur.
On 23 minutes, Karchouni, the Inter Milan playmaker, opened the scoring with an unstoppable angled drive.
Cameroon, solid until then, were rocked 10 minutes later when defender Claudia Dabda was sent off (34’) for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
From the resulting free-kick, Marine Dafeur whipped a stunning strike into the top corner (35’) to make it 2-0 – a gem that sent the stadium into raptures and rewarded Algeria’s progressive approach under a rising generation.
Down to 10 players, Cameroon pushed through Ajara Nchout’s experience. The Al-Qadsiah forward reduced the deficit from the spot (90+4’), but the response came too late to change the outcome.
– Additional reporting by Cafonline.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
