By
Morocco and Zambia claimed wins over the Democratic of Republic Congo and Senegal respectively in Women's Africa Cup of Nations action on Wednesday night.
Ghizlane Chebbak stars as Morocco edge DR Congo in six-goal thriller
Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak delivered a standout performance with a hat-trick to guide the WAFCON hosts to a 4-2 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat on Wednesday.
The result puts Morocco level on points with Zambia at the top of Group A as the race for knockout places tightens.
The hosts fell behind early when Merveille Kanjinga capitalized on a defensive lapse to score DR Congo's first goal of the tournament. Morocco nearly responded through Ibtissam Jraidi, who struck the crossbar, before Chebbak equalized in the 23rd minute with a well-taken half-volley.
Chebbak then put Morocco ahead just before halftime, steering in a loose ball after a mix-up between the Congolese defence and goalkeeper. The lead didn't last long in the second half, as Flavine Mawete finished off a swift counter-attack to bring the visitors level again at 2-2.
But Morocco quickly regained control. Substitute Imene El Ghazouani burst down the right flank and delivered a low cross that Chebbak tapped in to complete her hat-trick. A penalty converted by Yasmin M'rabet after Anissa Lahmari was fouled added a fourth to seal the win.
Morocco, on four points and ahead on goal difference, will now face Senegal in their final group game. DR Congo remain on one point and must beat Zambia in their last match to stand any chance of advancing.
Barbra Banda, Rachael Kundananji lead Zambia's comeback over Senegal
Zambia battled from a goal down to beat Senegal 3-2 in an entertaining Group A clash in Mohammedia, powered by their lethal strike duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
The win lifts Zambia to four points and keeps them firmly in contention for the quarterfinals.
Senegal struck early through Nguenar Ndiaye, who danced past defenders to score inside four minutes. The early blow stunned Zambia, but they responded swiftly when Kundananji set up Banda for a classy side-foot volley to make it 1-1.
Zambia continued to threaten and thought they had gone ahead twice through Banda, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside. They finally broke through early in the second half when Kundananji punished a defensive error to fire her team into the lead.
Banda struck again in the 73rd minute, reacting first to a rebound after Kundananji's shot was saved. However, Zambia gave away a penalty when keeper Lushomo Mweemba brought down Ndiaye, who scored her second of the game to bring Senegal back into it.
The final stages were tense, with 13 minutes of stoppage time and Senegal pushing hard for an equaliser. Zambia held on to claim all three points and will now meet DR Congo, while Senegal face hosts Morocco in a must-win final group fixture.
