Zambia won a Women’s World Cup match for the first time on Monday, defeating Costa Rica 3-1 to cap off their maiden tournament on a positive note.
The lowest-ranked team in the competition was beaten 5-0 by Spain and Japan, effectively ending their prospects of advancing from Group C.
Zambia’s first-ever World Cup goal was scored by defender Lushomo Mweemba after just three minutes of their final group encounter against Costa Rica in Hamilton.
Then, just after the half-hour mark, captain and star forward Barbra Banda made it 2-0 with a penalty kick.
Melissa Herrera scored two minutes after halftime to give Costa Rica, which was already eliminated but seeking its first World Cup victory, some hope.
Racheal Kundananji’s third-quarter goal put the contest out of reach for Zambia.
