Australia defeats Zambia, Matildas score four unanswered goal in miraculous comeback, highlights, video – MASHAHER

ISLAM GAMAL28 July 2024Last Update :
Australia defeats Zambia, Matildas score four unanswered goal in miraculous comeback, highlights, video – MASHAHER


The Matildas have pulled off a miraculous comeback victory to keep their Olympic campaign alive, scoring four consecutive goals in the second half to secure a dramatic 6-5 victory over Zambia on Monday morning AEST.

Zambia, ranked No. 64 in the world, slotted four goals during a frantic first half, including a hat-trick for captain Barbra Banda, before racing towards a 5-2 lead in the 56th minute.

The Australians were staring down the barrel of an early exit of the tournament before a stunning turnaround in the second half, escaping with victory courtesy of an own goal, penalty kick, goalkeeping blunder and 90th-minute winner.

The Matildas were far from their best throughout the topsy-turvy contest, missing regulation chances at goal while shooting themselves in the foot with defensive errors.

After suffering a 3-0 loss to Germany last week, Australia can still qualify for the quarter-finals depending on Thursday’s clash with defending champions USA and other results.

Banda only needed 55 seconds to unearth Zambia’s opener, nailing an off-balance shot from outside the box that evaded Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

The Australians returned serve minutes later off the set piece, with captain Steph Catley looping the ball towards Alanna Kennedy who slotted a classy header into the net.

Matildas defender Clare Hunt missed an open goal in 15th minute before an unmarked header from teammate Katrina Gorry sailed over the bar.

Scores were tied at 1-1 before Zambia reclaimed the lead in the 21st minute when Racheal Kundananji expertly placed the ball in the bottom right corner, bouncing off the upright into the net.

Banda, the 24-year-old Copper Queens striker, extended Zambia’s lead to 3-1 in the 33rd minute with a well-direct strike before Australia’s Hayley Rosso nailed a header to give the Matildas a glimmer of hope.

However, during added time in the first half, disaster struck for the Australians when defender Emily van Egmond attempted to clear the ball out of the box, only for her kick to somehow ricochet off Banda’s outstretched foot into the goal.

Zambia led 4-2 at halftime, but the chaos was far from over.

Chinonyerem Macleans of Team Nigeria and Kyra Cooney-Cross of Team Australia. Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Zambia’s goalkeeper Ngambo Musole had a poor night. Photo by Valery HACHE / AFPSource: AFP

The African nation’s fifth goal arrived in the 56th minute courtesy of a glancing header from Kundananji, further exposing Australia’s defensive flaws.

However, the Matildas struck back less than a minute later to reduce the deficit, with a Zambia defender kicking the ball into the goalkeeper’s back for a comical own goal.

Australia thought they had secured its fourth when keeper Ngambo Musole fumbled the ball to gift Caitlin Foord a free shot at goal, but VAR intervened when replays showed a clear foul.

But the Matildas didn’t have to wait long for their next goal, with Musole botching what should have been a regulation save off Catley’s free kick in the 63rd minute.

With less than 13 minutes remaining on the clock, Australia was awarded a penalty after Zambian defender Esther Muchinga stepped on Foord’s foot for a needless foul. Catley made no mistake with the penalty attempt.

There were frantic scenes in the final the ten minutes as both sides desperately searched for a winner, with Foord on two occasions failing to convert chances at goal.

However, the decisive moment came when veteran Michelle Heyman slotted the ball past Musole in a one-on-one contest, sealing the win.

Several of Zambia’s players broke down in tears after the defeat, Matildas superstar Mary Fowler consoling Musole after a tough night in goal.


Source Agencies

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