olympic_women_soccer-en : Australia vs Zambia, 2024-07-28

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Game Recaps
28/07/2024 21h01

In a highly entertaining match of Olympic Women's Soccer, Australia faced off against Zambia at the Allianz Riviera in Nice. The match took place on July 28, 2024, with a reported attendance. Both teams showed great offensive prowess, resulting in a thrilling encounter that ended with a remarkable scoreline.

Zambia started the scoring early in the 1st minute with a stunning strike from Barbra Banda, who unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box into the top left corner, assisted by Racheal Nachula. However, Australia quickly responded in the 7th minute as Alanna Kennedy headed the ball into the net following a set-piece situation, assisted by Steph Catley.

The goals continued to flow, and in the 21st minute, Racheal Kundananji restored Zambia's lead with a precise left-footed shot from the left side of the box. Barbra Banda added to Zambia's tally in the 33rd minute, converting a set-piece opportunity with a well-placed shot into the bottom right corner.

Not to be outdone, Australia pulled one back in the 35th minute through Hayley Raso, who headed the ball into the high center of the net from a cross by Kyra Cooney-Cross after a corner. However, Banda completed her hat-trick just before halftime, scoring her third goal of the game in the 45th+2 minute with a right-footed shot from the center of the box following a corner.

Zambia extended their lead in the 56th minute as Kundananji headed the ball into the bottom left corner, courtesy of a cross from Banda following a set-piece situation. At this point, the match seemed to be firmly in Zambia's control, leading 5-2.

However, a dramatic turnaround followed. Australia began their comeback in the 58th minute when Ng'ambo Musole scored an own goal, reducing Zambia's lead to 5-3. The Australian team continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 78th minute, Steph Catley converted a penalty with a left-footed shot into the top right corner to make it 5-5.

With just minutes remaining in the game, Michelle Heyman secured a remarkable victory for Australia in the 90th minute. She unleashed a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom right corner, assisted by Catley with a well-timed through ball on a fast break. The final score stood at an astonishing 6-5 in favor of Australia.

The match left fans and spectators shocked and amazed. Social media erupted with disbelief and excitement over the high-scoring encounter. Many expressed their surprise and disbelief at the final scoreline, questioning how a 2-5 deficit turned into a 6-5 victory. Others praised the attacking prowess of both teams and commended the entertainment value of the match.

Despite the loss, Zambia's impressive goalscoring record and Australia's thrilling comeback were hot topics. Fans sympathized with Zambia, acknowledging that they possess talented forwards but lack defensive stability. The match provided plenty of excitement, and fans expressed their enjoyment of the spectacle, even if it defied traditional expectations.

Looking ahead, Australia's next game in the Olympics Women's tournament will be against the United States on July 31, 2024. On the other hand, Zambia will face Germany on the same day.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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