Striker Ochumba Oseke Lubanji stole the show on a wet Thursday afternoon at Madibaz stadium as her hat-trick propelled Zambia to a 5-0 win over Eswatini in their opening Group C match at the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

In the early kick-off, Group C members Namibia and Uganda played out to a goalless draw.

The Copper Queens who were dominant from the first to the last whistle had to wait until the 24th minute to break the dreadlock when Margaret Belemu’s superb cross was headed in by Oseke from close range.

Zambia continued asking questions and got their second goal in the 58th minute as Belemu’s fiercely produced shot went past Eswatini goalkeeper Sukoluhle Subandze, who went on to concede a third goal after substitute Esther Namukwasa laid the ball to Oseke for her second and Zambia’s third.

The Copper Queens’ dominating display throughout the match continued to pay dividends as Oseke’s third goal and one from substitute Namukwasa was enough to dispatch Dumsani Makhanya’s side.

Zambia’s next match is against Namibia on 3 October at 15:30hours while Eswatini will face Uganda in the early kick-off.