In the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Games football competition, both Zambia and Nigeria’s teams faced second defeats, making their paths to the quarter-finals more challenging.

Zambia lost 6-5 to Australia despite Barbra Banda’s three goals. Nigeria was defeated 1-0 by Spain. With two losses from two matches, both African teams face a tough battle to qualify for the quarter-finals.

In a dramatic match at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Australia beat Zambia 6-5 after being down 5-2.

Zambia will play its final match against Germany on Friday at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.

Group B – Australia 6-5 Zambia

Goals Australia: Kennedy (7), Raso (35), Muscle own goal (58), Catley (65, 78), Heyman (90) Zambia: Banda (1, 33, 45+2), Kundananji (21, 56)

In Group C – Spain, the world champions, secured a late victory against Nigeria in Nantes. La Roja thought they had scored ten minutes into the second half when Salma Paralluelo scored from a Teresa Abelleira cross, but the goal was disallowed after a review.

Eventually, Alexia Putellas sealed the victory with a looping free-kick in the 86th minute. Spain’s win ensures their place in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria will play Japan on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 15:00 GMT. Zambia will take on Germany on the same day

Spain 1-0 Nigeria – Goal: Putellas (86)