Image copyright: FAZ Media
It was a disappointing Sunday evening for Zambian football fans and the African continent as Zambia's women's football team, the Copper Queens, squandered a 2-5 lead to lose 6-5 to Australia at the
Paris 2024 Olympics. The team came close to securing their first Olympic victory but ultimately fell short.
Zambia's team captain, Barbra Banda, opened the scoring just 40 seconds into the match, giving the Copper Queens an early lead. However, Australia's Alanna Kennedy equalized six minutes later. The match remained competitive, with Zambia reclaiming the lead in the 22nd minute through Rachel Kundananji, the world's most expensive female player.
Captain Barbra Banda continued to shine, completing her brace in the 33rd minute. But Australia's Hayley Raso quickly responded, narrowing the score to 2-3. Just before halftime, Banda completed her hat trick, putting Zambia ahead 2-4 at the break.
Despite the lead, Zambia's defence was shaky and prone to costly errors. Australia, known as the Matildas, relentlessly attacked the Copper Queens. In the second half, Rachel Kundananji scored Zambia's fifth goal in the 56th minute, but just two minutes later, Zambian goalkeeper Ngambo Musole inadvertently scored an own goal, bringing the score to 3-5.
The pressure mounted on Zambia, and Australia capitalized, scoring three more goals in the 65th, 78th, and 90th minutes to secure a 6-5 victory. It was a thrilling match, with eleven goals scored, but Zambia's hopes of a historic win were dashed.
At full time, an emotional Barbra Banda, who had scored her third hat trick at the Olympics, was seen in tears, along with other players. Fans in Zambia and worldwide were stunned by the team's inability to secure the win despite being so close.
Copper Queens forward Rachel Kundananji expressed the team's heartbreak, saying, "This loss hurt more than a heartbreak. We thought we had it, we were going to feel what it's like to win a match at the Olympics, but everything just slipped away. Our hard work went in vain. We need to focus on improving our defence. We will shift our focus to the next match."
As it stands in Group B, the United States leads with six points, followed by Germany and Australia, both with three points. Zambia is at the bottom with zero points. The Copper Queens' final group-stage game is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31st, against Germany.
Bet on the Olympics with Betway
At Betway you can bet on a variety of different sports from Golf to Football and so much more. With up to K1,000 in Free Bets.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.