Melo Sports | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | Ndola
The Copper Queens have secured their spot in the final stage of the Olympic Games Qualifiers thanks to a thrilling 3-all draw against Ghana, with skipper Babra Banda scoring a last-minute equalizer that sent fans into a frenzy.
Despite holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Zambia needed to avoid defeat in the second leg, and things seemed dire until Banda’s heroics saved the day.
The match began positively for Zambia as Banda put them ahead in the 11th minute, only for Ghana to level the score through Gifty Assifuah in the 21st minute.
At halftime, the score was tied, but Ghana took the lead in the second half with Doris Boaduwaa finding the back of the net in the 55th minute.
Zambia seemed out of the tie until veteran striker Kabange Mupopo scored in the 61st minute, giving them hope once again.
Ghana regained the lead in the 64th minute, putting Zambia on the back foot once more.
With time running out, Zambia was awarded a free kick, and Banda’s stunning strike found the back of the net, securing their spot in the final stage of the qualifiers and sparking wild celebrations among the fans.