The Matildas secure Paris 2024™ win. The Matildas delivered an unforgettable performance staging a dramatic second-half comeback to secure a 6-5 victory over Zambia at the Stade de Nice during the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Michelle Heyman, coming off the bench, scored the decisive 90th-minute match-winner, ensuring Australia clinched three crucial points in Group B.
Coach Tony Gustavsson made one change from the team that played Germany, with Emily van Egmond replacing Cortnee Vine in the starting lineup. The match kicked off with high intensity, as Zambia’s captain Barbra Banda opened the scoring with a long-range strike just two minutes in. Australia’s Alanna Kennedy quickly responded with a powerful header from a Steph Catley cross, leveling the score five minutes later.
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Zambia reclaimed the lead through Rachel Kundananji, who finished a strong run with a low strike. Banda doubled Zambia’s advantage, striking low from the edge of the area after a loose ball from a corner. However, Hayley Raso pulled one back for Australia, guiding home a well-floated corner to halve the deficit.
In additional time, Banda completed her hat-trick, extending Zambia’s lead to 4-2 at halftime. Early in the second half, Mary Fowler’s impressive long-range shot hit both the post and crossbar, but Zambia extended their lead again with another goal from Kundananji.
Australia made crucial substitutions in the 57th minute, bringing on Michelle Heyman, Kaitlyn Torpey, and Clare Wheeler. The impact was immediate, as pressure from Heyman forced an own goal from Zambia’s goalkeeper Ngambo Musole. Despite a disallowed goal from Caitlin Foord due to a foul, Steph Catley scored a free kick to bring Australia back into the game.
Caitlin Foord earned a penalty in the 78th minute, and Catley coolly converted to level the score at 5-5. Michelle Heyman, playing her first Olympics since Rio 2016, sealed the thrilling victory by scoring the match-winner with just minutes to go, capitalizing on a great ball from Catley.
Australia now looks ahead to their final group match against the United States, aiming for a place in the Paris 2024 quarter-finals.
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Upcoming Match:
- Australia vs. United States
- Date: Wednesday, 31 July 2024 (local) / Thursday, 1 August 2024 (AEST)
- Kick-off: 7:00 PM (local) / 3:00 AM AEST
- Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
- Broadcast: Channel 9, 9Now & Stan Sport (Australia)
