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World No. 2 Germany have fallen to a shock defeat to Zambia in their final game before the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Fürth on Saturday (NZT).
The lowest-ranked team heading into the World Cup at No. 77 produced an upset 3-2 win over one of the tournament favourites after their star striker Barba Banda raced through and scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time.
Zambia shot out to surprise two-goal lead early in the second half when Banda and Racheal Kundanaji scored in quick succession.
Daniel Karmann
Barba Banda, left, leads the celebrates after Zambia stunned Germany.
Germany looked to have avoided embarrassment when Lea Schüller and Alexandra Popp scored in stoppage time to draw the European champions level, only for Banda to score again with a world-class finish in the 102nd minute.
Zambia hit Germany on the counter. Ireen Lungu pumped the ball forward for Banda, who flew past the last defender, Kathrin Hendrich, before lobbing the ball over the top of goalkeeper Merle Frohms from outside the box.
The famous win is a massive confidence booster for Zambia, who will need to continue their giant-killing ways if they are to emerge from a group featuring Spain, Japan and Costa Rica at their World Cup debut.
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