Banda’s historic hat-trick overshadowed by Zambia’s 6-5 defeat to Australia

Copper Queens skipper, Barbra Banda’s record-breaking third Olympic hat-trick was overshadowed by a disappointing 6-5 defeat to Australia.

Banda became the first player to score three hat-tricks at the Olympic Games, having previously scored two at Tokyo 2020 against the Netherlands and China.

Despite a brace from Racheal Kundananji, Zambia couldn’t prevent a dramatic collapse in a match where they once led 5-2.

Australia made a remarkable comeback to beat Zambia 6-5 with a 90th-minute goal in a hotly contested Group B match at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday.

Steph Catley, who also scored a brace, and goals from Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Michelle Heyman, and an own goal from Zambia’s goalie Ngambo Musole (58’) secured the victory for the Matildas.

Zambia drew first blood in the opening minute with a long-range effort by Banda.

The Matildas almost equalized two minutes later through Emily van Egmond, but the leveller came in the seventh minute with Alanna Kennedy scoring off a Stephanie Catley assist.

The end-to-end entertainment continued as both sides created chances.

Zambia restored their lead in the 21st minute with Racheal Kundananji beating goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Banda struck her second goal, but the deficit was cut back down to one after Hayley Raso scored just two minutes later.

Banda completed her hat-trick just before half-time, making it 4-2 in favor of Zambia at the break.

She then turned provider with an assist for Kundananji, who doubled her tally just nine minutes after the break as Zambia led 5-2.

The Matildas started their comeback after Zambian goalie Ngambo Musole made a howler by scoring an own goal just two minutes later.

Two more goals from Catley—a free kick in the 65th and a penalty in the 78th—evened the score and set up a nervy finale.

Just when the match seemed to be heading for a 5-all draw, Australia completed the comeback after Michelle Heyman scored at the stroke of 90 minutes.

Both teams had chances in the eight minutes of additional time, but the contest at Nice Stadium ended in a 6-5 victory for Australia.

Zambia now sits bottom of Group B after back-to-back defeats.

The Copper Queens would now switch their attention to the final preliminary round match against Germany on Wednesday.

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