The ongoing FIFA Women’s 2023 World Cup is surely living up to the hype. Milestones have been reached, records smashed and yummy goals scored.
Group C did not sour the hype that had already blown the roof. Zambia exited the tournament, heads held high after an emphatic 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. The Copper Queens had a disappointing opening two games against Japan and Spain- they lost 5-0 on each clash.
However, during the last group C match that was played on Monday morning, Zambia seemed a team to leave a mark at the first whistle. Goals from Lushomo Mweemba, Barba Banda, and Racheal Kundananji were the difference. Herrera netted Costa Rica’s lone goal.
This particular match made history and milestones. They are as follows;
Barba Banda’s penalty goal in the 30th minute was the 1000th FIFA Women’s World Cup goal since its inception in 1991. The first goal of the tournament was scored by China’s Ma Li during their 4-0 win over Norway. It has taken 31 years, eight months, and 15 days for the milestone to be set.
Similarly, this was the first Zambia win in the history of the tournament.
Elsewhere Japan emerged as Group C winners after a clinical display against one of the pre-tournament favorites Spain. They hammered them 4-0. Goalscorers: Miyazawa (12′, 40′), Ueki (29′), Tanaka (82′).
