Matildas stage an epic Olympic comeback with 6-5 win over Zambia

After a tough start to their Olympic campaign, the Matildas have made an extraordinary comeback, clinching a dramatic 6-5 victory over Zambia.

The impressive win follows their recent setback against Germany, demonstrating their resilience and determination to bounce back after defeat.

Zambia got off to an early start with captain Barbra Banda securing a long-range goal just two minutes in. Australia equalised five minutes later with Alanna Kennedy’s powerful header from a Steph Catley cross.

Hellen Chanda had a chance soon after, but it was Rachel Kundananji who put Zambia ahead again with a strong run and low strike. Banda then doubled Zambia’s lead by capitalising on a loose ball from a corner.

Australia responded quickly with Hayley Raso scoring from another corner to make it 3-2. In the 43rd minute, Caitlin Foord was denied by a brilliant save from Zambia’s keeper Ngambo Musole. Banda completed her hat-trick in additional time, giving Zambia a 4-2 lead at half-time.

In the second half, Mary Fowler hit both the post and crossbar and Kundanaji extended Zambia’s lead with a header. Australia made three substitutions in the 57th minute, leading to an own goal from Musole under pressure from Michelle Heyman.

Australia had another goal disallowed by VAR for a foul on the keeper, but soon after, Catley scored a free kick. In the 78th minute, Foord won a penalty, which Catley converted to level the score at 5-5.

Heyman secured the win for Australia with a late goal from a Catley pass.

Following the win, fans quickly showered the Matildas with praise for their impressive performance, with one calling it the “craziest game of soccer I’ve ever seen.”

One of the best soccer games I’ve ever watched 👏

— Burak Durak (@brock1878) July 28, 2024

That’s how we do 🇦🇺 #Matildas

— Jenna (@Jen_586) July 28, 2024

So bloody proud!! What a comeback! Aussie team got it done. Win or lose, they are great Olympians. Love ya Tillies!! ❤️🇦🇺

— HereToHelp (@Vollyaholic) July 28, 2024

Well done. 💚💎

— Kumo ʞ | カスパ (@KumoKlouds) July 28, 2024

Craziest game of soccer ive ever seen – boy what that a thrill and rollercoaster ride. Nothing beats the unpredictability of live sport! When we were 5-2 down, i thought surely we were cooked – but the tillies never say die attitude prevailed, and we stay alive at #Paris2024 🤩🇦🇺

— Willy Alexander 🌊 (@sirwillyyXD) July 28, 2024

Australia will next face off against the United States in their final group match on Thursday, August 1 for a place in the Paris 2024 quarterfinals.

-with AAP.