WAFCON: How Zambia late strike destroyed Tunisia’s hearts in Casablanca

A stylish, pleasant match with plenty of passion was expected when Zambia faced Tunisia in a crucial encounter in Casablanca – and that’s exactly what we got as the Copper Queens edged a cracker 1-0.

Zambia put enormous pressure on the Tunisians throughout this match, but found the North Africans’ defence very hard to breach, as the game looked destined for a goalless stalemate.

In stoppage time, however, Zambia broke Tunisian hearts when they finally broke the deadlock with seconds to go, Avell Chitundu finishing past Soulaime Jaabrani after an excellent pass from the industrious Grace Chanda.

It was tough on the Tunisians, but no less than the Zambians deserved, as they were the better team throughout in this entertaining game at the Mohammed V Complex.

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It was the Copper Queens who had the first opportunity to open the scoring in the 32nd minute, forcing a penalty after Siomala Mapepa was mowed down in the area.

Ochumba Oseke Lubandji confidently grabbed the ball, but missed her spot kick.

Ten minutes later the Carthage Eagles thought they had a penalty themselves, after the ball seemed to hit the hand of Rachael Zulu, but the ball was adjudged to have hit the defender’s abdominal area before inadvertently striking her hand.

Zambia remained the more offensive team after the break, but they could not make their dominance count as the Tunisian women defended bravely. The Tunisians displayed the dogged art of catenaccio as they repelled attack after attack.

Mapepa had a golden opportunity in the 67th minute, hitting the net with a majestic shot to the delight of the Zambians, but the goal was cancelled out due to offside.

With so much effort exerted by both sides in search of a matchwinner, the intensity of the match dropped and it became a much less fluid meeting marked by sloppy mistakes committed by both teams.

Just as it seemed the game would finish goalless, however, the Zambians struck with their sucker punch.

Bruce Mwepa’s team now top Group B with 4 points, followed by their opponents on the day Tunisia on three points.

Next matches for both teams:

The Eagles of Carthages will face Cameroon in Casablanca, and Zambia will face Togo in Rabat in matches which will take place simultaneously this Saturday.