Copper Queens outclassed by USA

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jul 26, 2024. 07:06

Zambia suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of the United States in their opening women’s football match at the 2024 Olympic Games, played at Stade de Nice on Thursday night.

The Americans went level at the top of Group B with Germany (who beat Australia 3-0 earlier in the evening), while the ‘Copper Queens’ joined ‘The Matildas’ at the bottom of the log with zero points.

Zambia withstood the early pressure and even threatened an opening goal on the counter via Barbra Banda, but once the United States claimed the lead in the 17th minute it was one-way traffic.

The USA broke the deadlock via a superb turn and finish from Trinity Rodman, before Mallory Swanson scored two goals in quick succession in the 24th and 25th minutes – both of which were left-footed finishes after taking advantage of poor marking from the Copper Queens.

And the African side’s fortunes fell further after the half-hour mark when defender Pauline Zulu was shown a straight red card – on VAR review – for pulling back Sophia Smith just outside the penalty area and denying a scoring opportunity.

Zambia, with a numerical disadvantage, showed great character to keep their opponents at bay through the remainder of the match and ensured that they avoided a really emphatic defeat – with the Americans pushing to add to their advantage throughout the second half.

Zambia will next face Australia in Nice on the evening of Sunday 28 July, while USA will face Germany at Stade de Marseille earlier the same day.