Barbra Banda netted the 1,000th goal in Women's World Cup history as Zambia ensured they didn’t end the tournament pointless as they beat Costa Rica 3-1 in both sides’ final game.
Match Report
The teams are out of the tournament after both losing their first two games to Japan and Spain, but played for pride in their final match of Group C.
Zambia weren’t willing to wait and took the lead after just three minutes when Lushomo Mweemba volleyed home from the edge of the box to net her country's first ever World Cup goal.
But the African side, whose first two games ended in 5-0 hammerings, weren't hanging around for the celebrations. They were awarded a penalty after half an hour when Banda hit the deck inside the six yard box under pressure from Katherine Alvardo.
The Costa Rica players protested what was perhaps a close call, but the Zambia captain scored from the spot to double her side's lead with what was the 1,000th goal in the tournament's history.
Daphne Herrera pulled a goal back just after half time after some indecision from Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda, and it was expected that her side would kick on in the second 45.
But that didn't really happen, with Zambia able to hold on for the rest of the game to earn their first World Cup victory.
They even added a third deep into stoppage time to secure the victory, with Banda involved again and Racheal Kundananji slotting past Daniela Solera to secure history for her side.
Both teams will now exit the tournament but Zambia will leave with a sense of pride after achieving their first ever goal and win in a World Cup.
Line-ups
Costa Rica XI: K. Alvarado, R. Rodriguez, M. Benavidez, M. Herrera, M. Coto, G. Villalobos, F. Villalobos, D. Solera, P. Chinchilla, V. del Campo, Sheika Scott
Subs: P. Tapia, G. Guillén, C. Granados, C. Sanchez, E. Valenciano, M. Elizondo, M. Campos, M. Salas, S. Varela, Catalina Estrada, Génesis Pérez, Alexandra Pinell
Zambia XI: C. Musonda, A. Musase, L. Mweemba, M. Tembo, M. Belemu, H. Chanda, A. Chitundu, B. Banda, Evarine Katongo, Racheal Kundananji, S. Banda
Subs: V. Phiri, G. Chanda, O. Lubandji, I. Lungu, H. Mubanga, Mary Wilomb, Esther Banda, Letisha Lungu, Siomara Mapepa, Judith Soko, Enock Sakala, Mary Mulenga
Shmonny
295
Proud you Zambia 🇿🇲 ❤️love from Nigeria 🇳🇬