By 
The Copper Queens on Thursday night succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Team USA in their Group B opening fixture at the Paris Olympics.
Trinity Rodman gave the USA a 17th-minute lead with a close-range effort.
Mallory Swanson’s rapid brace within one minute made it even more difficult for Zambia.
The task became impossible when defender Pauline Zulu received a straight red card before the half-hour mark, leaving Zambia with ten players.
Read more: Copper Queens skipper, Banda, among BBC’s elite footballers to watch at Paris Olympics
Initially yellow-carded, a VAR review upgraded Zulu’s penalty, leaving her in tears as teammates consoled her.
Coach Bruce Mwape made a double substitution in the 38th minute, bringing on Esther Muchinga for Grace Chanda and Aveil Chitundu for Prisca Chilufya.
In the second half, skipper Barbra Banda showed promise with her runs but couldn’t break through the American defense.
Despite Zambia’s increased intent, players like Racheal Kundananji struggled to penetrate Team USA’s defense.
Zambia hopes to bounce back when they face Australia on Sunday, July 28.
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