NICE, FRANCE - JULY 25: Players of Team Zambia interact during the Women's group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Zambia Women’s national team suffered a 3-0 defeat to USA in a Group B opening fixture on Thursday.
Trinity Rodman gave the Americans a lead in the 17th minute with a well taken goal.
Mallory Swanson hit a quickfire brace within a minute to increase their advantage.
Defender Pauline Zulu was sent off before the half hour mark.
Zambia coach Bruce Mwape made a triple substitution before the break with Aveil Chitundu replacing Prisca Chilufya.
Grace Chanda, who started in the holding role was also hooked off for Esther Muchinga.
NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Lushomo Mweemba #3 of Team Zambia clears the ball under pressure from Trinity Rodman #5 of Team United States during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Sophia Smith #11 of Team United States is challenged by Pauline Zulu #5 of Team Zambia during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Grace Chanda #10 of Team Zambia runs with the ball under pressure from Lindsey Horan #10 of Team United States during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Sophia Smith #11 of Team United States is fouled by Pauline Zulu #5 of Team Zambia during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Racheal Kundananji #17 of Team Zambia runs with the ball under pressure from Emily Fox #2 of Team United States during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Hellen Chanda #15 of Team Zambia is challenged by Rose Lavelle #16 and Trinity Rodman #5 of Team United States during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)NICE, FRANCE – JULY 25: Players of Team Zambia interact during the Women’s group B match between United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 25, 2024 in Nice, France. (Photo by Stuart Franklin – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
After the break, Zambia played in a low block with Barbra Banda as a lone striker while Racheal Kundananji drifted more centrally in the attacking midfield role.
The Copper Queens next match is against Australia on Sunday 28 July, 2024.
I am so proud of you for fielding a team for the FIFA Cup last year and the Paris Olympics in 2024! It’s so important that you participated like the Olympic spirit states! You are playing great and more importantly with a lot of heart! You have come so far and will only get better and better with more competitions! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ you Gals! I will always be rooting for you and your greatest fan! Signed Lt Col Leslie Bryant, Retired USAF, Former US Defense and Air Attache to Zambia (2002-2005)
Dear Copper Queens:
I am so proud of you for fielding a team for the FIFA Cup last year and the Paris Olympics in 2024! It’s so important that you participated like the Olympic spirit states! You are playing great and more importantly with a lot of heart! You have come so far and will only get better and better with more competitions! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ you Gals! I will always be rooting for you and your greatest fan! Signed Lt Col Leslie Bryant, Retired USAF, Former US Defense and Air Attache to Zambia (2002-2005)