Banda, Chawinga lead early Golden Boot race

Zambia's football sensation and captain of the Copper Queens, Barbra Banda, has taken an early, commanding lead in the race for the Golden Boot at the ongoing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. Her scintillating performance saw her net an impressive four goals in Zambia's emphatic 6-0 demolition of Egypt in their Group C opener. This remarkable display has not only propelled Zambia to the top of their group but also firmly established Banda as a formidable contender for the tournament's top scorer award. Banda's four-goal haul was a masterclass in clinical finishing and versatility. After Racheal Nachula opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Banda took control in the second half. She converted a penalty of her own, followed by a header just minutes later, and then completed her hat-trick from a goalmouth scramble. She added a fourth goal late in stoppage time, showcasing her ability to score from various positions and situations. This historic achievement marks the first-ever hat-trick by a Zambian player in WAFCON history and makes her only the third player to score four goals in a single WAFCON match. Her contributions were pivotal, as she was directly involved in five of Zambia's six goals, underlining her immense influence on the team's attacking prowess. Hot on Banda's heels is Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga, who has also made a significant impact in the tournament. Chawinga delivered a stunning hat-trick in Malawi's surprising 3-2 victory over ten-time champions Nigeria. This upset, achieved by tournament debutants Malawi, highlighted Chawinga's crucial role and her ability to perform under pressure. Her goals were instrumental in securing Malawi's first-ever win at the WAFCON finals, further intensifying the Golden Boot race. The rivalry between Banda and Chawinga extends beyond national teams, as both players are prominent figures in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride,