Zambia’s Copper Queens blundered a 5-2 lead to lose their second game at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Australia putting hup one of the greatest comebacks to beat them 6-5.
Barbra Band gave the Copper Queens the lead less than a minute into the match with a shot that went in after it brushed the underside of the bar.
Seven minutes later, Australia levelled the score with a brilliantly executed free-kick from Stephanie Catley, which Alanna Kennedy of Manchester City headed in to beat Zambia keeper Ngambo Musole.
Zambia kept applying pressure in the Maltidas’ half and in the 21st minute, a solo effort by Racheal Kundananj, gave the Copper Queens the lead again.
Banda extended the lead in the 33rd minute after Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold had blocked a free kick for Zambia with a punch but failed to clear her lines.
With Zambia leading 3-1 and when it seemed like they were in control, Hayley Raso headed home from a set-piece, putting the Matildas right back in the match in the 35th minute.
The Barbra Banda record breaking moment
Before the first half ended, Banda scored her hat-trick in the 47th minute to become the first player in Olympic history to score three hat-tricks in the competition and also Africa’s all-time scorer with nine goals in just five games.
With a beautiful header by Kundananji in the 56th minute of the second half, Zambia increased their lead. However, Australia responded moments later when Michelle Heyman’s backheel was strangely cleared off the line by Lushomo Mweemba.
Caitlin Foord scored a goal a short while later, but Heyman’s foul on Musole caused VAR to write it off.
Nevertheless, the Matildas remained unfazed, and with ten minutes remaining, Catley knotted the score at 5-5 after scoring with a free kick in the 65th and then converted a penalty in the 78th.
Australia were now determined to find the winner and right in the 90th minute, Heyman scored to break the hearts of the Zambians who were in search of their first ever win at the Olympics.
Zambia’s next match will be against Germany who are also currently trailing 3-1 to USA.
