Zambia’s disastrous 2024 Olympic campaign came to an end on Wednesday when they were eliminated from the group stage following their third straight loss.
Germany thumped the Copper Queens 4-1 in St. Etienne to finish second in Group B and advance to the quarterfinals with the USA, who had already defeated Australia 2-1 to win the group.
Ten minutes in, Lee Axhueller gave Germany the lead with a low finish after catching the Zambian defenders napping, and two minutes after the break , Kalra Bruhl increased the lead with a long-range effort.
After playing just six games in two editions (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), Barbra Banda scored her fourth goal of the tournament with a brilliant strike from outside the 18-box, reducing the deficit two minutes later. This was her tenth Olympic goal and increased her lead as Africa’s all-time scorer in the competition.
Shueller made it 3-1 in the 61st minute, just as it appeared like Zambia were coming back into the match following Banda’s goal, and Elisa Senss sealed the victory for the Germans deep into stoppage time.
Meanwhile, Australia who finished in third-placed in Group B, were as well eliminated. They needed to secure a minimum of a draw to advance to the knockout stage but failed.
The teams that have progressed to the quarterfinals have all been confirmed, with defending champions Canada stunning many by making it through despite being deducted six points for using a drone to spy on New Zealand’s training.
Others include Spain and Japan while Colombia and Brazil have advanced as the two best third placed teams.
