Barbra Banda‘s goal in the 96th minute sealed Zambia’s victory over Ghana in the African Olympic Women’s Football qualifiers on Wednesday.
This win, with a 4-3 aggregate score, was a fitting tribute to the late striker Norin Betani, as the Copper Queens advanced to the next round.
Emotions took a downturn when Racheal Kundananji left the field due to a knee injury shortly after the hour mark.
Despite losing the first leg 1-0 on Friday, Ghana fought back strongly. In a thrilling second leg in Ndola, Zambia, they seemed poised to force the tie into extra time. Gifty Assifuah, Doris Boaduwaa, and Azumah Bugre scored for Ghana, adding excitement to the match.
READ ALSO: Osimhen nets hat trick as Napoli thrash Sassuolo 6-1
However, Banda’s fine free kick deep into stoppage time settled the rollercoaster clash with a 3-3 draw, securing the aggregate victory for Zambia. Banda’s opening goal in the 10th minute and Assifuah’s own goal just after the hour mark had initially given the home supporters hope at the lively Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Despite Zambia’s joyous progression, there was concern for forward Kundananji, who recently became the world’s most expensive women’s footballer when she moved from Real Madrid to the NWSL’s Bay FC. She was stretchered off with a knee injury.
Kundananji, who scored the winning goal in the first leg, couldn’t walk unaided and was in tears as she left the field after being substituted in the 64th minute.
Credible news.ng
