Netherlands Put Zambia To The Sword

Netherlands were far too good as they thrashed Zambia 10-3 in their opening match of the Tokyo Olympics Games at the Miyagi Stadium in Japan.

Vivianne Miedema scored four goals as Netherlands claimed a huge win against the Southern African side that is making second appearance in Olympics games.

Lieke Martens was also on the score sheet with a brace for the Netherlands, while Shanice van de Sanden, Jill Roord, Lineth Beerensteyn and Victoria Pelova each scored one.

Zambia three goals came from red-hot skipper Barbara Banda who has become the first female African footballer to score three goals at the Olympics.

Brazil beat China 5-0 in the other Group F match played on Wednesday.

Zambia , who are the lowest-ranked team in the field, will be back in action on Saturday where they will take on China in their second Group F match.

The last Olympic qualification for the Zambian team was in 1988 when the team famously reached the quarterfinals.

The Copper Queens had also previously qualified for the 1976 and 1980 Olympics although the country boycotted the 1976 Montreal Games for political reasons.

How they lined up;

Zambia XI vs Netherlands: Hazel Nali 16, Lushomo Mweemba 3, Esther Siamfuko 4, Margaret Belemu 8, Anita Mulenga 5, Mary Wilombe 6, Hellen Mubanga 9, Grace Chanda 10, Barbara Banda © 11, Avell Chitundu 12, Ireen Lungu 14

 Subs: Catherine Musonda 1, Fikile Khosa 2, Ochumba Oseke 7, Agness Musesa 15, Evarine Susan Katongo 19, Esther Namukwasa 20, Hellen Chanda 21