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Barbra Banda added the 1,000th goal in Women's World Cup history, and Lushomo Mweemba scored the tournament's quickest goal as Zambia defeated Costa Rica 3-1 on Monday to record its first-ever victory.
Zambia left its first World Cup with a triumph and an emotional high. Before the match, both sides had already been discarded from the knockout round.
Avell Chitundu's corner kick gave the Copper Queens their first goal in team history after only 2 minutes and 11 seconds. Mweemba volleyed the ball over Daniela Solera and into the roof of the net.
On a penalty kick in the 31st minute, Banda scored the historic goal. The 23-year-old striker seemed to be brought down in the box by Katherine Alvarado, prompting the official to award the penalty.
In the frantic game, the referee flagged 30 fouls and issued five yellow cards.
Melissa Herrera scored Costa Rica's lone goal in the 47th minute by using her chest to knock a cross over the goal line. Later, offside calls cost Costa Rica both a potential penalty and a goal.
Waikato Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,009, has more than 8,000 spectators.
Zambia scored their first-ever tournament goal against Costa Rica after just 131 seconds of play. The match's tempo was altered by Mweemba's one-timer after the Copper Queens had dominated much of the first half and scored twice on penalties by Banda.
Within three minutes of the end of regulation, Rachael Kundananji secured the victory. The forward was set up by Banda's through ball and easily scored.
WHAT MATTERS AND WHY
After competing in the Women's World Cup for the first time, Zambia goes home with a victory. With three points, it finished the competition in third place in Group C.
After losing both this year and in 2015, their only other appearance, Las Ticas are still looking for their first World Cup victory.
