Australia (1) v (18) Zambia
By Dhugal Bedingfield
THE all conquering Zambian women brushed aside Australia 18-1 today in the scorching midday heat on Melbourne Pitch.
The Zambians signalled their intent early, Jessica Chabota scoring two goals inside the first minute. Not to be outdone, the impressive Edinasha Mambwe scored two of her own in the next minute of play to give Zambia a very early 4-0 lead.
The barrage of shots was too much for Australian keeper Miki Kobayashi who was forced to leave the pitch with an injury.
Despite the early onslaught Australia battled away gamely and matched the Zambians physically in the oppressive conditions.
Toni Whelan's tireless efforts up front for Australia prevented the score line from inflating further but the Zambians still managed to take an unassailable 8-0 lead into half time.
After scoring her fourth with a classy one touch finish Chabota headed for the bench with Mambwe who herself had scored five.
The substitutions allowed the likes of Carol Kanyemba, Sarah Daka, Merinda Namafe to display their talents as Australia began to tire.
Emma Highwood provided Australia's highlight of the match with a spectacular strike from a distance.
Zambia are unbeaten in the tournament so far with six wins while Australia will look to add to their tally of just one win against Liberia later in the day.
Photos: Photoworx
