Zambia kept their title hopes alive at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal in Group A action on Wednesday at Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia.

In a match filled with end-to-end action, clinical finishing, and flashes of individual brilliance, the Copper Queens held their composure to secure all three points, despite being tested by a spirited Senegalese side.

After a 2-2 draw in their opening game against hosts Morocco, Zambia entered the clash needing a win—and they delivered.

However, it was Senegal who struck first, catching Zambia off guard within the first five minutes. Star forward Nguenar Ndiaye, who had shone in their 4-0 victory over DR Congo, capitalized on a well-weighted through ball from Méta Kandé and calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Ng’ambo Musole to give the Lionesses an early lead.

Zambia responded quickly. Captain Barbra Banda leveled the score in the 12th minute, blasting a powerful shot into the top corner after a sharp assist from Racheal Kundananji.

The tempo remained relentless throughout the first half, but it wasn’t until six minutes into the second period that Zambia edged ahead. Kundananji turned scorer this time, showing poise in the box to convert and hand her side a 2-1 lead.

Banda, who had terrorised the Senegalese defence all game, extended Zambia’s lead in the 73rd minute with her second of the night, reacting fastest to a corner and firing home from close range.

Senegal were handed a lifeline seven minutes later when Ndiaye was brought down in the area and dusted herself off to convert the penalty, making it 3-2 and setting up a frenetic finale.

Despite relentless pressure from the West Africans in added time—including a flurry of corners and blocked attempts—Zambia held firm, with Musole producing key saves to preserve the result.

The win lifts Zambia to four points in Group A, while Senegal, who had been eyeing early qualification, must now regroup ahead of their final group match. 

For the Copper Queens, this was a statement of intent—a reminder that the side filled with top players are keen on fighting for the title.