Captain Barbra Banda produced a four-goal performance as Zambia opened their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday.

The Orlando Pride striker was at the heart of an emphatic display, scoring four times and providing an assist as the Copper Queens made an early statement in Group C.

Egypt, making their first appearance at the tournament in a decade, frustrated Zambia during the opening stages before the deadlock was broken in the 25th minute. Racheal Nachula converted from the penalty spot after Banda was fouled inside the area, giving Zambia a deserved lead at the interval.

The Copper Queens took complete control after the restart.

A VAR review awarded Zambia a second penalty in the 58th minute after an Egyptian handball from Prisca Chilufya's cross, and Banda calmly converted to double the advantage.

Three minutes later, the captain struck again, meeting another inviting delivery from Chilufya with a close-range header to make it 3-0.

Zambia continued to dominate possession and create chances as Egypt struggled to contain Banda's movement and pace. The forward completed her hat-trick in stoppage time after reacting quickest inside the penalty area before adding a fourth with a low finish moments later.

Substitute Eneless Phiri also found the net after being set up by Banda, completing a memorable afternoon for the Copper Queens.

Banda finished the match with four goals and one assist, underlining why she is regarded as one of the leading forwards in women's football.

The victory gives Zambia an early advantage in Group C and provides a significant boost to their goal difference ahead of a heavyweight meeting with ten-time champions Nigeria.

After such an impressive opening display, the Copper Queens have laid down an early marker as they pursue a deep run at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.