The Matildas staged a breathtaking comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 in their second group match of the Paris Olympics. news999

 The Matildas have kept their Olympic medal hopes alive with a dramatic comeback victory over Zambia in their second group match in Nice.

Down 4-2 at halftime due to a hat-trick by Zambian captain Barbra Banda, Australia rallied in the second half, scoring four goals in one of the most memorable comebacks in Olympic football history.

Substitute striker Michelle Heyman emerged as the hero, coming on just before the hour mark with the score at 5-3. She scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, igniting jubilation among the stadium crowd and fans watching from home.The Matildas faced an early challenge as striker Barbra Banda scored just 40 seconds into the match, turning past defender Clare Hunt outside the box and blasting a shot over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia quickly equalized five minutes later. Captain Steph Catley's looping free kick sailed over Zambia's defensive line and found Alanna Kennedy, who headed the ball low into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

These swift goals set the stage for a thrilling game, with both teams' defenses frequently breached over the next 85 minutes.

Zambia regained the lead in the 20th minute when winger Rachael Kundananji, recently transferred to Bay FC in the U.S. as the world’s most expensive female footballer, received a through-ball and exploited the space behind Ellie Carpenter. Kundananji’s low, powerful shot hit the back post and found the net.

Kundananji continued to cause problems, setting up Banda for a curling shot from just inside the penalty area, giving Zambia a 3-1 lead. The Zambian team, ranked 64th in the world, was now ahead.

Australia responded with a goal from Hayley Raso a minute later. Raso leapt highest to connect with a curling corner from Kyra Cooney-Cross, reducing the deficit to 3-2 just before the half-hour mark.

As the first half drew to a close, the Matildas intensified their attack, delivering several crosses and aerial balls into the box. However, many opportunities went unconverted due to the lack of a dedicated center-forward to target.

Both Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord created half-chances as the halftime approached. Foord skillfully navigated through Zambian defenders to find herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but her attempts were easily gathered by Ngambo Musole.

While Australia struggled to capitalize on their chances, Zambia made the most of theirs. Barbra Banda completed her hat-trick with a fortunate goal, as a deflected clearance from Emily Van Egmond struck Banda's shin, ricocheted past Mackenzie Arnold, and found the net, giving Zambia a 4-2 lead at halftime.

Zambia further extended their advantage 15 minutes into the second half. After winning a free kick just outside Australia’s penalty area, Banda delivered a perfectly curled ball into the box. Surrounded by four Australian defenders, Rachael Kundananji rose to head the ball over a diving Arnold, making it 5-2.