Barbra Banda bags brace as Zambia humble Germany
In a breathtaking encounter between emerging football giant killers, Zambia, the bronze winner of Africa secured a morale-boosting 3-2 over Germany in a pre-Women's World Cup friendly on Friday night.
Coming off a 3-3 draw with Switzerland a week ago, the Copper Queens wrapped up their preparation on a high as the Africans pulled a shock win against the two-time world champions thanks to Barbra Banda's remarkable brace in Furth, Germany.
Both Women's World Cup bound nations put up strong performances in the opening stages but could not find the back of the net as the first half ended in a drab draw.
After the restart, it was Bruce Mwape's side that showed great intent and they were rewarded with the shock lead when Rachel Kundananji set up Banda to break the deadlock in the 48th minute.
Before the Germans could know what hit them, Kundananji doubled the advantage for the Zambians through her brilliance six minutes later.
Despite the intense pressure from the hosts, the Copper Queens held on firmly until Lea Schuller headed in Carolin Simon cross to pull one back on the brink of regulation time.
On #InternationalWomensDay, may African women continue to inspire the world with their unwavering strength.✨#WomenOfToday | #EmpoweringOurGame pic.twitter.com/ss0joHtxAr
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) March 8, 2024
Inside the additional time, Martina Tecklenburg's saw their intense pressure pay off when Alexander Popp headed home a fine cross from Svenja Huth to level matters and erupt wide celebration from the home fans.
However, Zambia fought back late for a comeback when Ireen Lungu teed up Banda to lob a long ball over on-rushing Merle Frohms for the remarkable matchwinner.
The victory sees the debutants heading to the Women's World Cup in New Zealand in high spirits ahead of their hectic group stage schedule with Japan, Spain and Costa Rica.
Zambia Match Schedule
July 22, 2023
Zambia vs Japan - Kickoff at 9:00 AM (Lusaka time), Hamilton, New Zealand
July 26, 2023
Spain vs Zambia - Kickoff at 9:30 AM (Lusaka time), Auckland, New Zealand
July 31, 2023
Costa Rica vs Zambia - Kickoff at 9:00 AM (Lusaka time),Hamilton, New Zealand