The ultimate comeback? In the annals of international football, we have witnessed comebacks and nail-biting thrillers. Yet, nothing quite compares to the chaotic match that unfolded between Zambia and Australia in Nice.
The Matildas staged a remarkable recovery from being three goals down, thanks to a hat-trick by Zambian prodigy Barbra Banda and two goals from the most expensive signing in women’s football, Racheal Kundananji. They miraculously triumphed on Sunday night. If a dramatic finish was what the Matildas needed to kickstart their Olympic journey, they certainly received it, along with crucial three points that could secure their place in Paris 2024 past the group stage.
Few spectators were lucky enough to witness such an electrifying game of Olympic football live; only a small crowd had made their way to the Stade de Nice, located on the outskirts of this Mediterranean city. However, those who attended experienced a mesmerizing match filled with attacking brilliance and defensive lapses seldom seen at this level.
The obituaries for the Matildas’ Olympic hopes had already been penned, and fans back home were poised with their criticisms. Much like the Marie Antoinette figure from the previous day’s opening ceremony, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson seemed destined for the chopping block. Then, just as suddenly, hope resurfaced.
1-0 Zambia. 1-1 Australia. 2-1 Zambia. 3-1 Zambia. 3-2 Australia. 4-2 Zambia. 5-2 Zambia. 5-3 Australia. 5-4 Australia. 5-5 Australia, via a VAR-awarded penalty. And then, in a stunning finale, 5-6 Australia.
Who else but Michelle Heyman? The super sub. The 36-year-old striker who had hung up her international boots in 2019 returned just when the Matildas needed her most in the absence of Sam Kerr. Approaching the 90th minute, Heyman broke free of defenders and found herself in a one-on-one with Zambian goalkeeper Ngambo Musole. With precision, she fired past Musole, giving the Matildas their first lead of the match — a lead that ultimately proved decisive.
For a large portion of the game, it felt like a nightmare revisited in Nice. It was here that the Matildas were eliminated from the 2019 Women’s World Cup after a heart-wrenching shootout, where captain Kerr infamously missed high. It took four years and one of the most extraordinary shootout victories in football history to exorcise those demons.
For 89 minutes on Sunday, it mirrored that painful sequel — but this time it seemed even more daunting. The Zambians dominated, finding the back of the net consistently, leaving Australia in desperate need of a comeback.
This match was expected to be a blowout. Zambia is ranked 64th in the world, marking their peak position. In contrast, the Matildas hold the 12th rank and boast experience in international tournaments. Nevertheless, Banda struck early, scoring within a mere 40 seconds, indicating the challenge ahead for Australia. The fight persisted with Australia determined to save their Olympic aspirations.
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The Matildas will wrap up the group stage on Wednesday with a match against the United States. A win over the Americans will ensure their progress to the quarter-finals; meanwhile, a draw or even a defeat could still suffice, as the top two third-placed teams also advance.
Although the crowd was small, the dedicated Australian fans made their presence felt, cheering loudly in the dying moments. When Venezuelan referee Emikar Calderas signaled the end, the stadium erupted in joyous celebration — it felt as if it were at full capacity. Attendees had been treated to a thrilling affair, and against all odds, the Matildas had triumphed. The nightmare in Nice was transformed into an unforgettable spectacle. Ultimately, the Matildas secured three points, keeping their Olympic hopes alive.
