Zanaco FC (W) secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Amezam Tamanga Queens FC (W) in the Zam WL on 28 October 2026, with Chipo Banda's second-half header deciding a tense contest. Zanaco dominated possession for long spells, but Amezam Tamanga Queens defended with discipline and nearly snatched a point with a late counter-attack.

Match Overview

The Zambia Women's League fixture followed a familiar pattern: Zanaco FC (W) controlling the ball and probing for openings, while Amezam Tamanga Queens FC (W) sat deep and looked to spring forward on the break. The first half was frustrating for the home side, who found space in wide areas but could not find a telling final ball. Amezam's goalkeeper made two important saves to keep the score level at the interval.

Zanaco increased the intensity after the break, pushing their full-backs higher and committing more bodies into the box. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute when Chipo Banda rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the net. Amezam pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Zanaco's defence held firm to secure all three points.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Zanaco's first real chance fell to their striker, whose low shot from inside the box was well saved by the Amezam goalkeeper.
• 34th minute: Amezam Tamanga Queens nearly took a shock lead on the counter, but their forward dragged a shot wide of the far post with only the goalkeeper to beat.
• 52nd minute: Zanaco appealed for a penalty after a tangle in the box, but the referee waved away the claims.
• 76th minute: Chipo Banda broke the deadlock, heading home a well-delivered corner from the right to send the home supporters into celebration.
• 89th minute: Amezam's best chance of the second half ended with a goal-line clearance as Zanaco survived a late scramble.

Tactical Story

Zanaco FC (W) built their game around patient possession and wide overloads. Their midfielders rotated the ball quickly, trying to drag Amezam's defensive block out of shape, and the full-backs provided constant width. The challenge was finding space in the final third, where Amezam kept a compact back line and defended their penalty area well.

Amezam Tamanga Queens FC (W) executed their counter-attacking plan effectively for long periods. They conceded possession but remained organised, closing down passing lanes and forcing Zanaco to play sideways. Their best moments came when they won the ball back and broke quickly, though they lacked the final pass to truly trouble the goalkeeper. In the end, Zanaco's set-piece quality proved decisive.

Standout Players

Chipo Banda was the match-winner, showing excellent timing and strength to convert the decisive corner. Her movement in the box and ability to hold up play also gave Zanaco a focal point in attack throughout the match.

Zanaco's goalkeeper, Luyando Mwape, was reliable when called upon, handling several crosses and making a crucial save in the first half. In defence, the centre-back pairing stayed composed during Amezam's late push. For Amezam Tamanga Queens FC (W), their goalkeeper was the standout performer, making a string of saves that kept her side in the contest until the final whistle.

League Impact

The 1-0 win gives Zanaco FC (W) three important points in the Zam WL standings and keeps them firmly in the race at the top of the table. It was not the most fluent performance, but the result highlights their ability to grind out victories even when the attacking rhythm is not perfect. Amezam Tamanga Queens FC (W) will take encouragement from their defensive organisation, though they remain in search of the cutting edge needed to turn narrow defeats into points.