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HAMILTON. — Zambia helped set a new African milestone at the Women’s World Cup yesterday by beating Costa Rica 3-1 in their last Group C match in Hamilton.
Not only was it the first points in the World Cup for the Zambian ladies, who had already been eliminated after successive 5-0 defeats, but it was the third win for an African teams at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand — the most by Africa at any single edition.
Zambia rode their luck at times but Lushomo Mweemba’s early strike and a penalty from captain Barbra Banda’s saw them two-up at half-time and they held off an onslaught by the central Americans in the second half to emerge victorious.
Costa Rica did pull one back but Rachel Kundananji netted a third in stoppage time at the end to ensure a historic victory for the Copper Queens, who now head home with their heads held high. Zambia’s first World Cup goal was scored in spectacular style right at the start of the encounter at the Waikato Stadium by defender Mweemba, who rushed towards a corner headed to the near post and turned the ball goalwards with the inside of the foot on the full volley in a moment of sublime innovation.
At two minutes, 11 seconds, it was the fastest goal to date at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. — SuperSport
Online Reporter