Tallaght Stadium was buzzing Thursday night as 5732 gathered to watch Ireland take on Zambia in an international friendly ahead of the World Cup.
Similarly to Ireland, this will also be Zambia’s first World Cup. Zambia was one of the first African nations to introduce women's football in 1982. After competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and winning the COSAFA women's championship in September, the Copper Queens have worked hard to prove that they deserve to be in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Ireland put tremendous pressure on Zambia from kick-off, with Leanne Kiernan narrowly missing out on a goal during the first two minutes followed by Claire O’Riordan lifting her shot over the bar after a scramble in the penalty area.
Latest | IRELAND 0-1 ZAMBIA
26’ Louise Quinn battling against Barbra Banda. #COYGIG | #WeAreOne | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/sts5FWTnUW— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 22, 2023
Zambia took the lead in the 16th minute. Captain Barbra Banda sent the ball sailing across the goalmouth, only for a deflection off Atkinson to redirect it into the net.
The Girls in Green went into halftime one goal down but started the second half five changes, with Amber Barrett coming off the bench.
An accidental handball from Zambia two minutes into the second half resulted in a penalty for Ireland. Amber Barrett's composed shot flew perfectly into the net, leading to a draw.
This Team 💚#COYGIG | #WeAreOne | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/ymsUuEntrs
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 22, 2023
Claire O'Riordan seized her first senior international goal 14 minutes later by skillfully from a well-executed free kick. Barrett added to the scoring tally with a superbly executed shot, expertly placed over Hazel Nali in the Zambia goal, giving Ireland 3-1 advantage.
Zambia continued to apply pressure on the attack, set on making a comeback. With only 11 minutes remaining on the clock, Zambia managed to narrow the gap as Racheal Kundananji brilliantly maneuvered past Heather Payne, outpacing Harriett Scott. Kundananji then sent a low shot that just past grasp of Brosnan, outting 3-2 on the scoreboard.
The last 10 minutes saw both teams put in a tremendous effort, with some frantic moments in the final stages. Vera Pauw's side successfully safeguarded their lead, initiating their World Cup preparations with a triumphant start.
Ireland will face France for another international friendly on 6 July.
Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Niamh Fahey (Harriett Scott 46), Louise Quinn, Claire O’Riordan; Heather Payne, Ruesha Littlejohn (Ciara Grant 46), Megan Connolly, Izzy Atkinson (Chloe Mustaki 46); Abbie Larkin (Lucy Quinn 64), Saoirse Noonan (Amber Barrett 46), Leanne Kiernan (Erin McLaughlin 46).
Zambia: Hazel Nali; Margaret Belemu, Agness Musesa, Lushomo Mweemba (Vast Phiri 67), Judith Soko; Xiomara Mapepa (Ochumba Oseke 67), Susan Banda (Rhoda Chileshe 67), Susan Katongo, Evarine Rachael Kundananji; Grace Chanda; Barbra Banda.
Referee: Caroline Lanssens (Belgium).
