Zambia leaves Women’s World Cup with dignity

By Xinhua

HAMILTON, New Zealand, July 31 (Xinhua) -- New army Zambia finished their last game in 2023 Women's World Cup with a consolation prize as they beat Costa Rica 3-1 in a dead-rubber here on Monday.
   Zambia and Costa Rica had already been eliminated after two rounds, with Zambia suffering back-to-back 5-0 defeats.
   However, Zambia's first goal in the campaign came just three minutes into the game when a corner found Lushomo Mweemba who cushioned it into the net.
   The African side doubled the lead when they earned a penalty in the 31st minute, Barbra Banda kept her cool to convert it.
   Costa Rica breathed a life back straight after the break when Zambia's goalkeeper Catherine Musonda's howler allowed Valeria Del Campo to assist for Melissa Herrera to turn in from a close range.
   But Zambia dented their opposite number's hopes in stoppage time as Racheal Kundananji beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
   Zambia capped off their first World Cup trip with a third group finish, while Costa Rica placed at bottom.  Enditem