Zambia made history on Monday, recording their first ever win at the Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica.
In the first half of the match, Lushomo Mweemba scored in the first three minutes of the match which is the fastest goal at this year’s Women’s World Cup while Barbra Banda scored from the penalty spot at 31st minutes to give Zambia a 2-0 lead.
After halftime, Costa Rica’s Melissa Herrera scored her first goal of the tournament at 47th minutes
In stoppage time(90+3′), Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji scored a third goal to complete the scoring.
Zambia earned their first win at a #FIFAWWC with a great performance against Costa Rica! 💪@FAZFootball | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
The win was a remarkable achievement for Zambia, who are only the few African team to win a game at the Women’s World Cup. It is also a sign of the progress that Zambian football has made in recent years.
After losing 5-0 to Japan and 5-0 to Spain, Zambia will leave the Women’s World Cup with something to smile about.
Zambia got things off to a flyer in Hamilton, with striker Fyodoré Mwemba heading home a corner after just two minutes.
Captain Banda doubled the lead from the penalty spot, her 1000th World Cup goal in the women’s game, after Katerina Alvarado tugged on her shirt.
In the second half, Costa Rica, also looking for their first win in just two tournaments, hit the crossbar with Maria Paula Cota.
But, at the start of second half Costa Rica scored a goal at 47th minutes
Costa Rica vs Zambia Final Score
| Teams | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| Costa Rica | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Zambia | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Closing in on history! 🔜
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
Zambia lead Costa Rica 3-1 courtesy of a goal from Rachael Kundananji! 🇿🇲@FAZFootball | #FIFAWWC