Latest news with #RachealKundananji
CAF
an hour ago
- Sport
- CAF
Zambia Edge Past Congo DR to secure knockout stage qualification
Published: Saturday, 12 July 2025 Racheal Kundananji's early strike proved decisive as Zambia claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Congo DR in their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Group A on Saturday, 12 July. The Copper Queens took the lead in the 9th minute when Kundananji stepped up and curled a low free kick beyond the outstretched arms of Ruth Khonde, igniting the home crowd at the Stade el Bachir. Zambia dominated possession for large spells and created numerous opportunities to double their advantage. Barbra Banda and Prisca Chilufya both came close in the closing stages, with Banda seeing multiple headers miss narrowly in added time. DR Congo, meanwhile, showed resilience despite being reduced to ten players in the 69th minute. A VAR review saw Falonne Pambani's yellow card upgraded to red following a dangerous challenge on Ireen Lungu, further complicating the visitors' hopes of a comeback. Ng'ambo Musole stood firm between the posts for Zambia, making crucial saves to deny DR Congo's Anastasia Soulac and Merveille Kanjinga, whose efforts were some of the few bright sparks for the visitors. Despite the numerical disadvantage, DR Congo pushed forward late on, forcing corners and half-chances, but lacked the clinical edge needed to find the equaliser. The result sees Zambia advance to the next round of the competition while the Central Africans see the campaign come to an end.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NWSL stars Racheal Kundananji, Barbra Banda supercharge Zambia's attack at women's AFCON
NWSL forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda have had stellar starts to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with Zambia. The pair have scored all of Zambia's goals so far, in both Saturday's 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco and the narrow 3-2 victory over Senegal on Wednesday in Rabat. Kundananji of Bay FC and Banda of the reigning NWSL champion Orlando Pride have also provided an assist to each other as they continue to build a domineering partnership. Advertisement That's how Kundananji, who is currently the leading WAFCON goal scorer for the Copper Queens, netted her first of this tournament. Banda cushioned the ball at midfield, absorbed pressure as she drew Moroccan players toward her and then slotted a through ball to Kundananji, who glided past the hosts' backline before administering a clean finish past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. By then, Banda had already scored her first WAFCON goal 58 seconds into the inaugural match. As she's done several times in the NWSL, she muscled off and outran the bulk of the opposition before capping off her efforts with a confident finish. On Wednesday, Kundananji returned the favor to Banda, in nearly identical fashion, for her first of two goals against Senegal. Kundananji received the ball on her chest from a cross into the penalty box and sent it gently to Banda on a half-volley, who then tapped it into the back of the net with a half-volley of her own. Advertisement With the score level courtesy of an early Senegalese goal, Kundananji employed her ruthless defensive pressure on her opposition's defense and poached a wayward pass. Similar to Banda's first goal against Morocco, Kundananji used her explosive pace to carry the ball downfield at a clip, her go-ahead goal carrying all the trappings of effortlessness. Each time the 25-year-old NWSL stars have scored, they've retreated to a corner flag with their team, dropped to their knees, and pointed their fingers to the sky. It's difficult to believe this is Banda's first WAFCON campaign. In the 2022 tournament, Banda, Kundananji, and two other players were ruled out of the competition when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expressed concerns over their eligibility. This was reportedly linked to naturally high testosterone levels that CAF claimed were higher than the federation's limit. The same issue sidelined Banda, but not Kundananji, from the 2018 edition of WAFCON when she was 17 years old. The misinformation has contributed to verbal attacks on Banda online; however, she has never broken any rules set by FIFA, CAF or the NWSL. In the 2022 tournament, Zambia beat nine-time WAFCON winners Nigeria to finish third, courtesy of a first-half goal from midfielder Evarine Katongo, who is in the current roster. But Banda undeniably adds to their potency in the attack. Even if an opposing side manages to contain her — a task far too tall for any one player to manage — there's always Kundananji lurking nearby, and vice versa. Advertisement With a draw and a win, Zambia are second to 2022 WAFCON finalists Morocco in Group A on goal difference. As they prepare for their final group stage match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, they'll be taking into account their one clear vulnerability in the tournament so far: conceding goals. Morocco answered Banda's quick opener last weekend with a penalty, and then netted a last-minute equalizer in front of a raucous home crowd. Against Senegal, Zambia were the ones to concede early. Even after regaining the lead with Kundananji's goal, they again allowed themselves to soften mentally; goalkeeper Ngambo Musole's blundering save attempt earned her a yellow card and led to a penalty, an opportunity Senegalese striker Nguenar Ndiaye was happy to capitalize upon in the 80th minute. During the final minutes, dropping points to Morocco was still fresh in Zambia's minds. On more than a few occasions, Banda could be seen playing as deep as her own penalty box to help out with defensive duties. The Copper Queens hung onto their 3-2 lead in the end, but only just. 'It was a very entertaining game for all of you,' Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle said in a news conference after the match. 'Maybe for the blood pressure of the coach, not so.' Advertisement Zambia's final group game on Saturday will provide them one last, relatively low-stakes opportunity to 'go behind our books again,' as Häuptle phrased it, and see out a game. As has been the case in their first two fixtures, the Copper Queens' success will likely be powered by Banda and Kundananji. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Orlando Pride, Bay FC, NWSL, Women's Soccer 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
NWSL stars Racheal Kundananji, Barbra Banda supercharge Zambia's attack at women's AFCON
NWSL forwards Racheal Kundananji and Barbra Banda have had stellar starts to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with Zambia. The pair have scored all of Zambia's goals so far, in both Saturday's 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco and the narrow 3-2 victory over Senegal on Wednesday in Rabat. Kundananji of Bay FC and Banda of the reigning NWSL champion Orlando Pride have also provided an assist to each other as they continue to build a domineering partnership. Advertisement That's how Kundananji, who is currently the leading WAFCON goal scorer for the Copper Queens, netted her first of this tournament. Banda cushioned the ball at midfield, absorbed pressure as she drew Moroccan players toward her and then slotted a through ball to Kundananji, who glided past the hosts' backline before administering a clean finish past goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. By then, Banda had already scored her first WAFCON goal 58 seconds into the inaugural match. As she's done several times in the NWSL, she muscled off and outran the bulk of the opposition before capping off her efforts with a confident finish. A post shared by National Women's Soccer League (@nwsl) On Wednesday, Kundananji returned the favor to Banda, in nearly identical fashion, for her first of two goals against Senegal. Kundananji received the ball on her chest from a cross into the penalty box and sent it gently to Banda on a half-volley, who then tapped it into the back of the net with a half-volley of her own. With the score level courtesy of an early Senegalese goal, Kundananji employed her ruthless defensive pressure on her opposition's defense and poached a wayward pass. Similar to Banda's first goal against Morocco, Kundananji used her explosive pace to carry the ball downfield at a clip, her go-ahead goal carrying all the trappings of effortlessness. Each time the 25-year-old NWSL stars have scored, they've retreated to a corner flag with their team, dropped to their knees, and pointed their fingers to the sky. It's difficult to believe this is Banda's first WAFCON campaign. In the 2022 tournament, Banda, Kundananji, and two other players were ruled out of the competition when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expressed concerns over their eligibility. This was reportedly linked to naturally high testosterone levels that CAF claimed were higher than the federation's limit. The same issue sidelined Banda, but not Kundananji, from the 2018 edition of WAFCON when she was 17 years old. The misinformation has contributed to verbal attacks on Banda online; however, she has never broken any rules set by FIFA, CAF or the NWSL. Advertisement In the 2022 tournament, Zambia beat nine-time WAFCON winners Nigeria to finish third, courtesy of a first-half goal from midfielder Evarine Katongo, who is in the current roster. But Banda undeniably adds to their potency in the attack. Even if an opposing side manages to contain her — a task far too tall for any one player to manage — there's always Kundananji lurking nearby, and vice versa. With a draw and a win, Zambia are second to 2022 WAFCON finalists Morocco in Group A on goal difference. As they prepare for their final group stage match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, they'll be taking into account their one clear vulnerability in the tournament so far: conceding goals. Morocco answered Banda's quick opener last weekend with a penalty, and then netted a last-minute equalizer in front of a raucous home crowd. Against Senegal, Zambia were the ones to concede early. Even after regaining the lead with Kundananji's goal, they again allowed themselves to soften mentally; goalkeeper Ngambo Musole's blundering save attempt earned her a yellow card and led to a penalty, an opportunity Senegalese striker Nguenar Ndiaye was happy to capitalize upon in the 80th minute. During the final minutes, dropping points to Morocco was still fresh in Zambia's minds. On more than a few occasions, Banda could be seen playing as deep as her own penalty box to help out with defensive duties. The Copper Queens hung onto their 3-2 lead in the end, but only just. 'It was a very entertaining game for all of you,' Zambia head coach Nora Häuptle said in a news conference after the match. 'Maybe for the blood pressure of the coach, not so.' Zambia's final group game on Saturday will provide them one last, relatively low-stakes opportunity to 'go behind our books again,' as Häuptle phrased it, and see out a game. As has been the case in their first two fixtures, the Copper Queens' success will likely be powered by Banda and Kundananji. (Top photo of Banda, left, and Kundananji: Imagn Images)
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
2024 Women's AFCON: The Underdog Showdown Between Senegal and Zambia
This Wednesday at 5pm (local time), the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia will host a much-anticipated clash between two ambitious African nations: Senegal and Zambia. A decisive match for the rest of their adventure in this TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON 2024 in Morocco. On the Senegalese side, confidence is in the air. The resounding opening victory against DR Congo (4-0) laid the foundation for a competition that the Lionesses of Teranga intend to approach with method, ambition, and a certain humility. "This match against Zambia is a challenge, a real test for our team," explained Mame Moussa Cissé, Senegal's coach. "We are underdogs, but we will do our best to survive." Zambia comes into this matchup with the feeling of having let a victory slip away against Morocco on the opening day (2-2). This frustration is fueled by statistics: 12 shots, 8 on target, clear missed chances, and intermittent technical dominance. "We analyzed the match well. We were solid defensively, sharp in transition, but too imprecise," explains Nora Häuptle, the Swiss coach leading the Copper Queens. "Against Senegal, we will have to be more patient and more realistic." Contrasting Visions of the Game This match is also a clash between two philosophies. Cissé's Senegal relies on a compact, robust, and strategic team, capable of pressing high up the pitch but also handling weaker moments with discipline. On the other side, Zambia relies on verticality, rapid forward projection, and the power of their attacking duo: Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. "They're a team with a lot of impact and speed. They can cause damage in a very short space of time," warns Cissé. "But we'll play to our strengths. We have to be clinical in both areas: efficient up front, solid at the back." Häuptle, for her part, is pragmatic: "Senegal is a physically impressive team, with many players accustomed to European competition. It's up to us to respond in other areas, with our technique, our transitions, and better ball control." Players to watch For the Senegalese side, Korka Fall's name comes up as a no-brainer. An experienced captain and a key figure in the dressing room for over 13 years, the striker remains a beacon of stability. "I've evolved a lot. I've learned to know my body, to protect myself, to be stronger mentally," she says calmly. Meanwhile, Zambia will once again rely on the fast-paced runs and decisive moves of Racheal Kundananji. "We've turned the page after the Morocco game. Now we're playing for our future. This match is crucial, and I'm here to help the team make the difference," the Bay FC striker says reassuringly, her eye already fixed on the opposing goal. A past that matters, a future to play for The last meeting between the two teams at the WAFCON in 2022, ended in a Zambian victory 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, depriving Senegal of direct qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia & New Zealand. A memory Cissé chooses not to dwell on: "I'm not seeking revenge. But we've worked on what prevented us from getting through. That's what interests me." On the Zambian side, confidence remains unshaken. "It's not a question of pressure. We know what we have to do. The ball is round, anything can happen, but we will give our all to turn our chances into goals," concluded Kundananji. A clash for qualification Senegal can clinch qualification with a victory. Zambia, on the other hand, are playing to remain in control of their own destiny. Two teams, two ambitions, one urgency: to convince. Beyond the result, this match will also reveal where these two rising nations in African Women's Football truly stand. All eyes are on Mohammedia. And this time, there will be no regrets.
San Francisco Chronicle
27-04-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Bay FC's Kundananji breaks goal drought in draw with Seattle: ‘Exactly what she needed'
When Racheal Kundananji arrived at PayPal Park on Saturday afternoon, she told her teammates she was going to score her first goal of the season. Without a tally since the playoff-clinching goal in Houston in last year's regular-season finale, Kundananji was struggling with her confidence. But something felt different on Saturday, and in Bay FC's 1-1 draw with the Seattle Reign, the Zambian forward did indeed finally find the scoreboard. 'Going five games without scoring as a striker, if I was a coach, I'd also be like, 'She's not scoring. What's going on? Let me try to find someone to replace her,'' she said. 'As a striker, we have that pressure. … Today, I came in with a high spirit and was like, I know I'm scoring.' Kundananji's tally in the 32nd minute gave Bay FC (2-2-2) a 1-0 lead, but Seattle (2-2-2) scored on a corner in the 50th minute and the teams remained deadlocked even as Bay FC's offense continued to push and came close on several chances in the last 10 minutes. With just six goals all season, finishing at the net has been one of Bay FC's biggest flaws despite continuously getting opportunities in the final third of the field. Getting Kundananji on the scoreboard — and their top forward playing with confidence — was one of the best things that could have happened. 'This was exactly what she needed,' said head coach Albertin Montoya. 'She's been pushing for it, and we had some good conversations this week. She relaxed, and all of a sudden she got that opportunity and made it count, right? Now I think more will come.' A minute before Kundananji scored, goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz stoned Jordyn Huitema in front of the net. She sent the ball sailing past the midfield into Bay FC's attack, then forward Caroline Conti found Kundananji on a fast break, and she wove around the back-peddling Seattle defenders before firing off her left foot. The ball ricocheted off the far post and into the center of the net. Kundananji's five goals last season were second on the team behind seven from Asisat Oshoala. Oshoala came off the bench for the second consecutive game and, like Kundananji, has struggled to produce in her second NWSL season. The highest-priced player on the Bay FC roster, Kundananji leads Bay FC with six shots on target and 41 progressive passes received (passes of more than 10 feet toward the net), but the Zambian striker has been mostly frustrated by defenses keying in on her. Getting a goal on a fast break where she could use her speed — and a slight mentality shift — made a big difference. 'There are so many times when I have lost the ball, when I'm trying to take that space and try to go closer to the goal, and then I just lose the ball,' she said. 'So today, I was just in my mind, today I was going to do one thing, just to shoot and make sure it goes into the net. And that's what I did.' After Kundananji's goal, she kept creating chances. In the 65th minute she tapped the ball to her right for midfielder Taylor Huff, who forced Seattle goalkeeper Claudia Dickey to extend far to her left to make the save. Defensively, she stripped a Seattle midfielder of the ball late in the second half and worked to create chances for the offense even when she didn't have the ball. That is one reason Montoya said he has kept Kundananji in the lineup while Oshoala has been relegated to the bench. 'You have to do the work you want to get results, whether you're a forward or not,' he said. 'You can't just sit up top and try to score goals. In a perfect world, forwards, that's just what they want to do, but you have to defend. You'll see (the best forwards) play for 90 minutes and attack and defend, and that's what (Kundananji) is doing, and makes us better. So it's a must in this league.' Sometimes it just takes one goal to find a rhythm, and Bay FC are hoping that's true of Kundananji. They need production from their attack, and in an ideal world it's being led by their highest-priced player. 'The last two weeks, 80% of our preparation has been in the attacking final third,' Montoya said. 'We got into some really good spots here today, but it's just that final pass, the weight of the pass, the angle of the run, and that's going to take a little bit of time. And I keep saying this, when we get it right, we're going to get some goals.'
