Australia came from 5-2 down to defeat Zambia 6-5 in a frantic and end-to-end Olympic Women’s Tournament group-stage game.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda struck in the opening minute and went on to complete a first-half hat-trick, as her side led 4-2 at the break. Alanna Kennedy had levelled early on for the Matildas, Hayley Raso with their second.
Racheal Kundananji was on target for Zambia in the first half, then again on 56 minutes, after which a VAR decision denied Australia a goal, only for a goal-line clearance to go in off the back of keeper Ng’ambo Musole.
Steph Catley netted a free kick and converted a penalty given by VAR, before Michelle Heyman gave Australia the lead for the first time in the 90th minute.
Australia are now on three points in Group B, likewise Germany beaten 4-1 by USA who have six. Sophia Smith’s opener for the US was cancelled out by Giulia Gwinn but Mallory Swanson restored the advantage, before Smith got her second close to the interval. Lynn Williams rounded off the scoring late on.
Canada came from behind to dramatically defeat France 2-1 deep into added time but are not yet in credit in the Group A table, following a six-point deduction for the drone filming of a New Zealand training session.
Mare-Antoinette Katoto gave Les Bleues a half-time lead, Jessie Fleming equalised before the hour mark and a dozen minutes into stoppage-time Vanessa Gilles grabbed the winner.
Colombia beat New Zealand 2-0 to lead the group on goal-difference from France, Marcela Restrepo and Leicy Santos their scorers.
Spain edged Nigeria 1-0 to make it back-to-back win in Group C, Alexia Putellas with the 85th-minute breakthrough.
There was more late drama as Japan struck two stoppage-time goals to overcome Brazil 2-1, edging above them in the table on goals scored.
Jhennifer found the net in the second half but Saki Kumagai levelled from the spot and Momoko Tanikawa won it in the 96th minute.
Fixtures for Wednesday 31 July (UK times)
Group A – New Zealand v France, Colombia v Canada (both 8pm)
Group B – Zambia v Germany, Germany v Australia (both 6pm)
Group C – Japan v Nigeria, Brazil v Spain (both 4pm)
