Brave Gladiators Fall 4-2 to Zambia in WAFCON Qualifier, Eye Comeback in Second Leg

Brave Gladiators Fall 4-2 to Zambia in WAFCON Qualifier, Eye Comeback in Second LLeg. Namibia’s senior women’s national team, the Brave Gladiators, suffered a 4-2 defeat to Zambia’s Copper Queens in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Second Round qualifier held on Tuesday at Johannesburg’s Dobsonville Stadium.

The Copper Queens asserted early dominance, taking a 2-0 lead before halftime through goals from defender Rachel Nachula in the 11th minute and captain Rachel Kundananji six minutes later.

The Brave Gladiators showed resilience after the break, equalising through a well-worked team goal by Irene Kooper in the 51st minute and a penalty converted by captain Zenatha Coleman seven minutes later, bringing the match level at 2-2.

However, Kundananji’s leadership proved decisive as she completed her hat-trick with two late goals in the final 20 minutes, sealing a crucial first-leg victory for Zambia.

“Our aim was to get an equaliser and even a winning goal. It did not work out. The opponents got the fourth goal – it was a sucker punch,” said Namibia head coach Lucky Kavuka during his post-match remarks. “There are many positives and I am proud of the team.”

Kavuka remained confident ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. “Mathematically, it is not impossible. Football-wise, it is also not impossible although we know the magnitude of the task. We have to strategise, change our mentality, and score goals.”

Namibia, ranked 17th in Africa and 123rd globally, reached the second round after defeating Eswatini 4-0 earlier this year. Zambia, ranked fourth in Africa and 65th worldwide, received a bye into this stage.