Australia pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 in an extraordinary match in the women’s football competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday. Trailing 5-2 early in the second half, the Matildas rallied to secure victory, capped by Michelle Heyman’s 90th-minute goal.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda opened the scoring in the first minute and completed a hat-trick, with Racheal Kundananji adding two goals. Despite the early setbacks, Australia’s Alanna Kennedy and Hayley Raso kept the team in contention, with Raso scoring just before halftime.
Defensive errors from Zambia facilitated Australia’s comeback, including an own goal by Lushomo Mweemba and a fumbled save by goalkeeper Ngambo Musole. Steph Catley converted a penalty to level the score, and Heyman clinched the dramatic win.
In other matches, Spain edged Nigeria 1-0, thanks to Alexia Putellas’ late free-kick, ensuring their place in the quarter-finals. Japan also produced a remarkable late turnaround, defeating Brazil 2-1 with goals from Saki Kumagai and Momoko Tanikawa in injury time.
Colombia secured a 2-0 victory over New Zealand, while hosts France were set to face reigning Olympic champions Canada later in the day.