In a dramatic Group B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Australian women’s football team staged an incredible comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 with a last-minute goal on Sunday evening.
The match at the Nice Stadium in Nice saw the Copper Queens of Zambia leading the Australians 5-2 at one point. However, a brace from captain Steph Catley (65’, 78’), goals from Alanna Kennedy (7’), Hayley Raso (35’), Michelle Heyman (90’), and an own goal by Ngambo Musole (58’) propelled Australia to victory.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda scored a first-half hat trick (1’, 33’, 45’+1), and Racheal Kundananji added a brace (21’, 56’), but they could not maintain their lead, ultimately suffering a devastating loss.
The Matildas entered the match after a 3-0 defeat to Germany in their opener and were quickly put on the back foot when Banda scored in the opening minute. Alanna Kennedy equalized in the seventh minute with a goal assisted by Stephanie Catley.
The game became a high-scoring affair as both teams created numerous chances. Zambia regained the lead at the 21st minute through Kundananji, followed by Banda’s second goal, extending the lead to two. Raso responded with a goal for Australia, but Banda completed her hat trick before halftime, making it 4-2 in favor of Zambia. Kundananji’s second goal after the restart put Zambia ahead 5-2.
Musole’s own goal in the 58th minute gave Australia hope, and Catley’s free-kick in the 65th minute made a comeback feasible. Catley later scored from the penalty spot to equalize.
In the 90th minute, Michelle Heyman scored the winning goal, assisted by Catley, capping off the remarkable comeback. Despite several chances for both teams during eight minutes of added time, the match ended 6-5 in favor of Australia.
With this result, the Matildas are third in Group B, trailing Germany and the United States. Australia will face the USA in their final group-stage match on Thursday.
