Another Olympic master class from Barbra Banda was not enough to give Zambia their maiden Olympic victory. Poor defensive errors and a lack of tactical prowess from the Zambian coach allowed Australia back into the game. In what was surely a treat for the fans, here are the Zambian player ratings from a breathless match in Nice.

Ngambo Musole 3/10 

Distribution was poor throughout, tried to marshal her defence to little affect. Was unconvincing when the ball entered her box, especially from set pieces. Made a wonderful one on one save with an outstretched leg from Foord late in the first half.  Made an awful mistake for Catley’s goal which should have been easily held.

Lushomo Mweemba 3/10

Positioning of both centre backs was all over the place at times. Composed on the ball, played some lovely dynamic passes. Lost her head for Australia’s third goal firing the ball into her own goalkeeper and into the back of the Zambian net. An awful touch let Australia in for their fourth but was lucky that to see the goal disallowed by VAR for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Esther Siamfuko

Missed a vital interception leaving Foord with a golden chance that she should have converted. Her dangerous delivery for a free kick caused all kinds of issues for the Australian defence leading to Banda’s second goal.

Misozi Zulu 5/10 

Struggled to influence proceedings in the midfield, found it hard to link defence to attack. Subbed off 66’.

Kabange Mupopo 6/10

Poor challenge on Ellie Carpenter early on should have seen a booking. Used her pace brilliantly to cause Carpenter issues but her final ball was disappointing. Subbed off in 83’.

Esther Muchinga 2/10

Came into the starting XI for the suspended Pauline Zulu. Gave away a naive penalty to allow Australia to tie the game at 5-5 in a crucial moment of the match.

Barbra Banda 10/10

Wow. Scored the goal of the tournament and nabbed her second with complete composure and her third with a touch of luck. Constantly pressurised the Australian backline. Her magnificent cross gave Kundunanji the fifth, a complete performance.

Martha Tembo 6/10 

Defensively strong in the air, limited the opportunities for Australia to attack down her flank. A sensational goal saving block from a Michelle Heyman strike when the goal was gaping kept the scores level at 5-5.

Hellen Chanda  4/10

Decision making was not always perfect, let Gorry ghost into the box to set up Hunt who should have scored and completely lost Kennedy for the opener. Took a number of pot shots from distance where recycling possession would have been wiser.

Racheal Kundunanji 9/10

Made some smart runs in a battling display. Linked up exceptionally well with Banda. Took her first goal brilliantly finding the corner in inch perfect fashion. Scored a lovely header for Zambia’s fifth.

Racheal Nachula 6/10

Became a two sport Olympian after competing in the 400m at Beijing 2008. Her positive running at the start of the match set up Banda’s wonder strike, her pace added an extra element that was missing against the USA. Became less effective as the match wore on. Subbed off 83’

Rhoda Chillse 5/10

Struggled to make an impact on the game after coming on. Subbed on 66’

Avell Chitundu N/A

Did not have enough time on the pitch to give a fair assessment. Subbed on 83′.

Prisca Chifufya N/A

Did not have enough time on the pitch to give a fair assessment. Subbed on 83′.