Zambia’s 2024 Olympic journey came to an end tonight after a 4-1 defeat to Germany eliminated them from the competition. Three second half goals put the game beyond Zambia- whose performances were mixed across the park. We take a look at them in more detail below.

Ngambo Musole 5/10 

Musole showed real character to bounce back from a nightmarish performance against the Matildas. Made a smart save in the first half. Her positioning was better today, but was lacking for the second goal making the finish easier than it should have been for Bühl. Completely missed a cross into the box in the second half only for Schüller to hit the post.

Lushomo Mweemba 5/10

Made a couple of unorthodox clearances and was lucky not to concede from them. Swept up well when attacks on the wing broke her way, but was out of position for the third Germany goal.

Esther Siamfuko 5/10

Conceded a bizarre chance after covering a run from Bühl and brilliantly picking her pocket. Though ultimately played the ball straight into the path of Schüller and was luckily bailed out by her team mates. Struggled at times tonight.

Pauline Zulu 7/10 

Reads the game well, Zambia missed that awareness against Australia. Composed in possession and played some impressive passes. Has a habit of making brilliant last gasp tackles and made two from Schüller, one which stopped an almost certain goal. 

Chumba Oseke 6/10

Did well to hold her own in the first half managing without the ball for much of the half. Missed a brilliant chance in the second half when the ball was cut back into her path by Chilufa.

Kabange Mupopo 5/10 

Struggled to get involved with Zambia’s go-to destination nearly always being Barbra Banda.

Barbra Banda 8/10 

Always in space and ready to run at the German defence. Doorsun had a better time of marking her when she came on. Took her goal brilliantly and was rewarded for relentless pressing play.  Held up the ball well and won a number of free kicks to relieve stress on her side.

Martha Tembo 7/10 

Lost Schüller for the first Germany goal, but did a great job of managing the threat posed by pacy winger Brandt who had a fantastic game against Australia. The best marker of her performance was Brandt’s decision to attack through the middle and eventually even the opposite wing before being subbed off at half time. Had more trouble against Vivien Endemann in the second half. Stood her ground against Alex Popp a couple of times, a task that is easier said than done but she acquitted herself well.

Racheal Kundunanji 6/10 

Fluid attacking combinations with Banda were a joy to behold. But was largely ineffectual at times. For example, Banda made a brilliant run and cut back which Kundunanji should have been alert to but was not. Looked tired in the second half.

Rachael Nachula 6/10

Showed good physicality against her opponents and became an outlet for Zambia on the right wing. Was surprisingly subbed off at half time, more likely for tactical reasons than for performance.

Hellen Chanda  6/10 

Gave away a few poor fouls in the first half but put in a battling performance, came off worse in her physical encounters with Popp. Subbed off 65th minute.

Prisca Chilufya 7/10 

Did well to back track but struggled as Zambia had precious few attacking forays in the second half. Did well to set up Chumba Oseke for a shot with a cut back in the second half. Kept going until the end, even collecting the ball in her own box and charging into the German half after 90 minutes had passed. Subbed on 45th minute.

Mary Wilcombe 5/10

Did little to influence the game but was brought on when the game was effectively already won for Germany. Subbed on 65th minute.