The Zambia women’s national team faced a tough start to their journey at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to the USA in their opening match in Nice.
Within the first 30 minutes, the Copper Queens conceded three goals as they struggled to contain the dominant USA team.
Head coach Bruce Mwape fielded a strong lineup featuring Orlando Pride forward and captain Barbara Banda, Bay FC’s Rachael Kundananji and Kabange Mupopo in attack, with Lushomo Mweemba, Martha Tembo, and Pauline Zulu starting ahead of goalkeeper Ng’ambo Musole.
The Copper Queens encountered an early setback in the 17th minute when a midfield lapse allowed Sophia Smith of the USA to navigate through the Zambian defense and set up Trinity Rodman for the opening goal.
Seven minutes later, striker Mallory Swanson extended the USA’s lead after the Copper Queens lost possession in a dangerous area.
Swanson swiftly scored her second goal, capitalizing on a defensive error by the Copper Queens, making it a difficult night for the Zambian team.
The situation worsened for the Copper Queens in the 33rd minute when defender Pauline Zulu was red-carded by Brazilian referee Ramon Abatti following a VAR review, which revealed her foul and prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Mwape made changes in the 38th minute, bringing on Esther Muchinga and Avell Chitundu for Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda to limit the damage for his team.
Despite the first-half struggles, the Copper Queens managed to regroup defensively and held off further USA attacks, while the Americans appeared to ease off with their lead.
Both Barbara Banda and Rachael Kundananji had a forgettable night as Zambia aims to bounce back in their next Group B match on Sunday, July 28, 2024, against a strong German side that secured a 3-0 win over Australia earlier that Thursday afternoon.
