Top Ugandan FIFA referee Shamirah Nabadda was in full control at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, overseeing a sensational display as Zambia’s Copper Queens tore through Egypt with a resounding 6–0 victory in their Group C opener at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nabadda, leading an all-African match officiating team alongside assistant referee Fanta Idrissa Kone (Mali) and Fides Bangurambona (Burundi), delivered a firm and flawless performance, keeping a high-tempo contest strictly within the rules as Zambia asserted their dominance early in the tournament.
On the pitch, all eyes were on Zambia’s talismanic forward Barbra Banda, who produced a masterclass upfront, netting four goals to put Egypt to the sword.
After Rechael Nachula opened the scoring with a penalty in the 26th minute to give the Copper Queens a deserved first-half lead, Banda took center stage in the second half. The star striker hit a quickfire double in the 60th (penalty ) and 63rd (header) minutes before completing her hat-trick—and adding a fourth—with late goals in the 86th and 96th minutes.
Substitute Eneless Phiri also got on the scoresheet in the 93rd minute to complete the 6–0 rout.
With the victory, Zambia takes early command of Group C with a commanding statement of intent, while Nabadda and her team mark another proud milestone for East African officiating on CAF’s biggest stage.
