HAMILTON, July 31 — Zambia won a Women’s World Cup match for the first time with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica today to end their debut tournament on a high.

The lowest-ranked team at the competition were spanked 5-0 by Spain and Japan as their chances of getting out of Group C ended in rapid fashion.

But defender Lushomo Mweemba scored after just three minutes in their final group game against Costa Rica in Hamilton — Zambia’s first goal ever at the World Cup.

Then skipper and star striker Barbra Banda made it 2-0 with a penalty just after the half-hour.

Costa Rica, also already eliminated and chasing a first victory at the World Cup, pulled one back through Melissa Herrera two minutes after half-time.

Zambia made the game safe in injury time when Racheal Kundananji got a third. — AFP