Women’s World Cup: Zambia beat Costa Rica to earn first tournament win

Zambia earned their first-ever Women’s World Cup victory by beating Costa Rica in their final group game.

Lushomo Mweemba opened the scoring early on before Barbra Banda doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

Costa Rica’s Melissa Herrera pulled a goal back just after the break before Racheal Kundananji netted Zambia’s third in stoppage time.

Both teams had already been eliminated after losing their opening two matches, with the win meaning Zambia finishes third in Group C.

Zambia had conceded five goals each to Japan and Spain but a dramatic improvement gave them the win.

Mweemba volleyed in from a corner in the third minute to give Zambia the lead before Banda converted a penalty after she was fouled by Katherine Alvarado.

Costa Rica hit back early in the second half when Herrera bundled in from close range to take advantage of an error by goalkeeper Catherine Musonda.

They pushed for an equaliser and were denied a penalty by the VAR due to offside in the build-up, and Herrera had a second goal disallowed when she was ruled offside.

Zambia sealed the win in stoppage time when Banda put Kundanaji through on goal to slot the ball past Daniela Solera.

Cover Photo: zambia-flag-02” by officeholidays is marked with CC0 1.0 .