Morocco forces Zambia to 2-2 draw in WAFCON opener

By Harry Awurumibe,  Editor, Abuja Bureau

Host country Morocco bounced back from the brink of defeat to snatch a heartwarming 2-2 draw in the opening match of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) played at Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Reigning African Best Player of the Year, Women, Barbra Banda put the Copper Queens in front in just 2′ of the match to keep quiet the vociferous Moroccan fans who were hugely surprised for the early goal against Morocco.

But the Atlas Lionesses quickly roared back to life in the 17′ when Ibtissam Jraidi equalized for Morocco from the penalty spot to bring back joy to their fans.

However,  Banda’s strike partner Rachel Kundananji made it two goals for Zambia in the 27′ as the scores stood at 1-2 in favour of Zambia at half time.

On resumption,  the Moroccans became more daring as they turned the heat on the Copper Queens with the Zambians, only relying on counter attacks that did not help their course because they eventually failed to grabbthe three points at stake when Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak rammed in the equalizer in the 88′ to tie the action-packed match to 2-2 draw at full-time.

Both Morocco and Zambia now have one point each before their Group A opponents Senegal and DR Congo will take to the field of tomorrow.