Zambia’s Copper Queens kicked off their 2024 Paris Olympic Women’s Football Tournament with a disappointing 3-0 loss to four-time gold medalists the United States of America.
Emma Haye’s team defeated Zambia handily thanks to a quickfire brace by Mallory Swanson in the 24th and 25th minutes, following Trinity Rodman’s opening goal within the first 17 minutes.
With the scoreline at 3-0, Elite Ladies FC defender Pauline Zulu was sent off in the 34th minute for what was determined to be a professional foul on Swanson after a VAR review, ending Zambia’s faint hopes of a comeback.
Pressure mounting and one player down, Bruce Mwape made two changes, substituting Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya for Avell Chitindu and Esther Muchinga 37 minutes later to try and strengthen the dysfunctional midfield.
Zambia appeared to be more organised in the second half after the USA substituted some of their best players, which included the two goal scorers, Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle, as well as Sophia Smith, who was replaced minutes before the break.
That didn’t matter; the USA still had a comfortable lead despite attempts at scoring by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji that ultimately failed.
The USA join Germany, who also beat Australia 3-0, at the top of Group B. The two group leaders will face off on Sunday, while Zambia and Australia will also clash on the same day.
