Zambia came out on top in a duel between already eliminated teams to close out action in Group C at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, defeating Costa Rica by a 3-1 score on Monday in Hamilton, New Zealand. Lushomo Mweemba gave the Copper Queens an early lead while Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji also scored as Zambia earned their first-ever World Cup victory. The Shepolopolo end their participation with a third place finish in Group C on three points.
The opening goal, Zambia’s first ever World Cup tally, was straightforward for Mweemba. Avell Chitundu’s third minute corner kick found the defender who was wide open to meet the ball with a looping volley that went over Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Vega.
Copper Queens star Banda was next to find the goal towards the end of the first half. The forward was dragged down on her attempt to fire off a shot in the Costa Rican penalty area and after a foul was called the Chinese-based markswoman dispatched her spot kick past Vega to double Zambia’s lead.
Costa Rica made the Group C finale interesting by pulling a goal back within the opening two minutes of the second half through Melissa Herrera and proceeding to look more dangerous. However late on it was Banda who set up the goal to clinch victory with a clever pass to Kundananji who was left with simple finish past Vega.
Click the link below to watch the highlights from the match.
