ZAMBIA’S Barbara Banda scored a landmark goal today as the African team recorded their first-ever victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Banda struck from the penalty spot to score Zambia’s second goal in their 3-1 victory over Costa Rica as they earned their first points.
The 31st minute goal is also the 1,000th in the quadrennial competition since it was launched in 1991, landing Banda and Zambia a spot in the statistical history of the global showpiece.
Lushomo Mweemba opened the scoring for the Copper Queens in the third minute and Racheal Kundananji netted the third goal in added time as they ended their Group C journey with victory at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Zambia, making their first appearance at the Women’s World Cup, finished third in the group with three points, while Japan and Spain secured the two tickets to the round of 16.
Japan ended the group campaign with nine points after surprisingly thrashing Spain 4-0 at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
Hinata Miyazawa struck twice, while Riko Ueki and substitute Mina Tanaka netted the other goals for the 2011 world champions.
Spain finished second in the group with six points, while Costa Rica ended bottom of the pile with no points.
