Zambia's Barbra Banda sets Olympic record with hat-trick against Australia

After suffering a 3-0 defeat to the United States in their opening match, Zambia entered the game against Australia with the goal of securing a victory. This match provided Banda with a chance to solidify her legacy among football's elite.

In a thrilling encounter that saw a total of 11 goals, Banda initiated the scoring just one minute into the game, skillfully finishing past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold. She then added two more goals in the 33rd and 45th minutes, respectively.

As a result of her performance, she has now become Africa's leading scorer in Olympic history, amassing nine goals, which places her five goals short of Cristiane Rozeira's record of 14.

Despite her outstanding individual achievement, the Copper Queens, under the guidance of coach Bruce Mwape, were unable to secure a win and must now aim for a decisive victory against Germany in their final group match to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Before the Paris Olympics, the star from Lusaka expressed her determination to continue breaking records. “Teamwork has been essential in helping me score these goals. Those two hat-tricks were a collective effort. I could not have achieved this alone. However, I prefer to focus on the future and the possibility of setting new records,” she stated on the FIFA website.

“Football is a game of opportunities, and if I am presented with another chance to create a record, I will seize it wisely. I am thrilled and grateful to be participating in my second Olympics. Competing at this level is a dream for many, and representing my country brings me immense joy.”

Banda, recognized as one of the top female footballers in Africa, has a history of breaking records. During the Tokyo 2020 Games, she made history by being the first player, regardless of gender, to score three goals consecutively in games.

Her legacy continued at the 2023 Women's World Cup, where she scored the 1,000th goal in the tournament's prestigious history, further establishing herself as a pioneer in women's football.

In 2018, Banda made history once again by becoming the first Zambian player to transfer to a European club, signing with the Spanish team Logrono.