Gallant Copper Queens bow out lose 1-0 to Brazil

Africa’s sole reps to the women soccer event of the ongoing Olympics in Tokyo booked their exit Tuesday after a lone goal defeat by Brazil.

The Barbra Banda captained side prior to the last group match had been tipped to exit the competition after losing the opening by a heavy margin to Netherlands.

The team however bounced back to hold China to a 4-4 draw in the second match before Tuesday lone goal loss to already qualified Brazil.

The Zambian girls put up a good fight in Tuesday’s match which some had predicted will be another heavy defeat considering Brazil’s pedigree.

While Zambia conceded only a goal to Brazil same cannot be said of China who prior to the last game were having just a point like the Zambians.

Already qualified Netherlands remained ruthless against their Chinese counterparts winning Tuesday’s game 8-2.

read alsoTokyo: Baptism of fire for Zambia as women soccer begins

Elsewhere United States Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan said the quarterfinals is when the Olympic tournament really starts, after the Americans qualified second in their group for the knockout stage.

The U.S. played out a 0-0 draw against Australia on Tuesday to ensure that it finished second in Group G behind Sweden. The Americans lost 3-0 to Sweden in their opening match but made mincemeat of New Zealand with a 6-1 victory