Zambia skipper Barbra Banda said she and her team were leaving the Women’s World Cup satisfied after making up for two heavy defeats with victory in their last game against Costa Rica on Monday.
The 3-1 win in Hamilton meant Zambia, who were already eliminated after two successive five-goal defeats, avoided the wooden spoon in Group C, as they won their first-ever World Cup points.
“It was not an easy game for us. But it was the one that wanted it most that carried the day, which is a plus for us,” said Banda at the post-match press conference.
“We've worked so hard as a team. And we really wanted to win on our last game, looking at the previous games that we have played. We've lost those the games. So going into this game, we were very determined that we just had to carry that.”
Banda scored the second goal for Zambia, which was from the penalty spot, and was the 1 000th in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
“I feel happy and excited. It's not easy. I've made history. So I think I just have to remain determined and discipline for me to have more games in future, at the World Cup. This should not be my last World Cup, but I still want to play at another World Cup.”
Banda was nervous taking the spot kick but converted easily as Zambia went 2-0 up at halftime.
“I made sure to present myself well, because I've been practising penalties during training. So I was confident. But at the same time, I was nervous, but I just had to have courage because I was carrying the hopes of thousands of people back home. So it was an honour for me to take that pain on because I believe and trust in our team,” she added.