We bring to you the ball to ball action of the Group C clash, Japan vs Zambia. Japan have won the World Cup before but their World Cup campaigns in recent years have been pretty disappointing according to their standards, so they would look to get back in the game with the other big teams. Meanwhile, Zambia is prepared to make their World Cup debut in Australia and New Zealand at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

Match information

Match: 7
Kick‑off: 12:30 (IST)
Date: 22 July 2023
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton , New Zealand.
Officials
Referee: Tess Olofsson
Assistant referee 1: Lucie Ratajova
Assistant referee 2: Polyxeni Irodotou
Fourth official: Anahi Fernandez
Video assistant referee: Massimiliano Irrati
Assistant VAR: Salome Di
Offside VAR: Iorio

12:30 pm IST | Kick off

First Half Begins

Here we go, Japan vs Zambia is underway!

6'| Chance missed by Japan

A left footed by Japan's Mina Tanaka from the left side of the box misses the goal by a whisker.

10'| Bar came to Zambia's rescue

Aoba Fujino's bangs one from outside of the box, only to see the ball hit the woodwork, Catherine Musonda was beaten completely.

15'| Japan continues to attack

The Japanese women are playing some nice football and keeping the Zambia defenders on toe with an array of attacks from the both side of the pitch.

18'| Corner for Japan

Margaret Belemu stop an attack

20'| Mina Tanaka scores from JAPAN! (ZAM 0-1 JAP)

The Japanese striker has scored from close distance with the help of a well driven free kick from the right side of the ball. But VAR is taking a look for possible Offside.

22'| Offside! Goal overturned (ZAM 0-0 JAP)

After a brief look at the VAR screen, Tess Olofsson comes to Zambia's rescue and overturns the goal by calling it Offside.

29'| Another chance goes begging

A nicely driven low pass by Jun Endo from the right flank couldn't find Mina Tanaka's foot and Zambia's goalkeeper collects the ball with ease.

36'| More concern for Zambia

Lushomo Mweemba takes a knock on her feet and is out with the physio, Zambia playing with 10 players at the moment.

39'| Catherine Musonda keeps Zambia in the Game

A right footed shot by Fuka Nagano got deflected and Musonda showed great agility and stopped the dipping ball from going inside the goal

43' | Japan scores! (ZAM 0-1 JAP)

Japan puts the ball for the second time in Zambia's net and this time its gonna count. A beautiful team move finished beautifully by Hinata Miyazawa with the help of a beautiful low cross by Aoba Fujino.

6 minutes of added time announced

45' | Half time : ZAM 0-1 JAP

Japan has dominated most parts of the game and deserved to be in the lead against an inexperienced Zambian team. The Asian team could've added more goals to their tally but Catherine Musonda acted as the Great Wall of Zambia and one goal was disallowed due to Offside. Zambia would look to create more opportunities in the second half and play with more confidence and Japan would look to build on this lead.

Second Half begins

Will Zambia be able to make a comeback or is Japan gonna extend their lead? Stay tuned to watch the second half.

49'| Japan scores their second! (ZAM 0-2 JAP)

Mina Tanaka scored an amazing goal while showing good composure but VAR is taking a look at the goal because it could be a possible Offside.

50'| Offside! Goal overturned (ZAM 0-1 JAP)

For the second time this evening Mina Tanaka is denied a goal due to being Offside, Zambia survives.

52'| Penalty for Japan overturned

Catherine Musonda came out of the box and couldn't get hold of the ball and gifts Japan a penalty and received a yellow card for her challenge. But VAR had a look at it and found out that it was a Offside so penalty evoked.

55'| Mina Tanaka finally scores! (ZAM 0-2 JAP )

Mina Tanaka finally lodged her name in the scoresheet with the help of Jun Endo's beautifully waited pass from the right side of the pitch.

62'| Japan scores again! (ZAM 0-3 JAP)

Hinata Miyazawa scores her second goal of the match with an easy tap in and Japan is cruising towards a big victory in the first match of their tournament.

66'| Substitution for Japan

Riko Ueki replaces Mina Tanaka

71'| Fourth goal for Japan! (ZAM 0-4 JAP)

Jun Endo scores her first goal of this tournament with a cool mind and placed the ball in the far corner of the net and gives Japan a 4-0 lead.

72'| Substitution for Zambia

Ochumba Lubandji and Avell Chitundu replaces Ireen Lungu and Siomala Mapepa respectively.

75'| Japan on the attack again

Zambia experience an array of Japanese attack but still survives and restricts the scoreline to 4-0.

77'| Substitution for Japan

Hikaru Naomoto and Kiko Seike replaces Aoba Fujino and Jun Endo respectively.

82'| Substitution for Zambia

Vast Phiri replaces Lushomo Mweemba due to injury.

88'| Zambia enjoying some possession

Zambia is trying to go forward with the ball in order to create something but Japan is not giving them any chance whatsoever.

7 minutes of added time announced

90'+7'| Penalty awarded to Japan

Catherine Musonda picked up her second yellow card in order to stop Japan from scoring their fifth goal but in the process awarded a penalty.

90'+9'| Substitution for Zambia

Eunice Sakala replaces Avell Chitundu

90'+11'| Penalty missed by Riko Ueki

The Zambia goalkeeper saves the powerful shot of Riko Ueki but with an element of possible encroachment of penalty, VAR is taking a look into it.

90'+11'| Riko Ueki scores this time! (ZAM 0-5 JAP)

After VAR intervention, Riko Ueki got the chance of taking the penalty again but to Encroachment of goal by the goalkeeper, the first time and this time he converts her penalty with a cool composed finish.

90'| Full time ZAM 0-5 JAP

Japan have asserted their dominance over Zambia in a fairly one sided game. Zambia didn't have any answers to Japan's gameplay and was just feeling helpless in the middle of the pitch. Futoshi Ikeda have played a major role in Japan's change of attitude and it was shown in the match. They didn't stop running until the very end and that reflected their mindset of being the best team in the world. As for Zambia, it wouldn't get any easier for them as they've to face Spain in the next match. An amazing start to the tournament for Japan as they cruise past Zambia by 5 goals to nil.

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

It's official. ✍️

Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

World-record signing Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge 🤩🔵 pic.twitter.com/vqT0XneC0C

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2025

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback. 

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore. Kajol Dsouza, Pooja, Sibani Devi, and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi were the other scorers for Blue Tigeress. 

After beating Bangladesh by 14-0 in their final match of 2024, the Indian Women's Football team started the 2025 on a great note with an emphatic win over the visitors, Maldives. 

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made many changes to the team that played against Bangladesh which handed two debutants a chance in the starting XI. Lhingdeikim, who scored four goals (twice in both halves) and Shibani Devi, who last year featured for East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League were among the changes Alexandersson.

Read Also | Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi and Simran Gurung were the players who made their debut off the bench. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

Maldives looked good in the early minutes which forced Linthoingambi Devi to make some saves but once the Indian team resolved the issue and found their pace, they were tough to resist.

Lhingdeikim started the onslaught for India with an early goal in the 12th minute before providing an assist for Kajol Dsouza to extend the lead three minutes later. She found the net again in the next minute after receiving a perfect ball from Sibani. In the 17th minute, Sangita Basfore's header was deflected into the goal by Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa. 

However, right before the halfway mark, Maldives scored their only goal of the match as Mariyam Rifa found the net after a defensive error from the Indian team. 

But, India struck again before half-time with Pooja and Shibani scoring one each. At half-time, India were leading by 6-1 and it looked like we would have the scoreline just like the last match. 

Lhingdeikim started the second half by scoring from a beautiful assist by Pooja in the 56th minute. A minute later she scored her fourth goal of the match by flicking a ball with his right foot for a neat finish. This time, Kajol was the assist provider for her. 

Simran Gurung, who came off the bench at halftime, scored two goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes. A red card for Maeesha Abdul Hannan did not help the Maldives as well as the defender made a deliberate handball inside the penalty box. Bhumika Devi converted the penalty in the 71st minute to complete the riot. 

Scorecard | India vs Maldives | FIFA Friendlies (Women's)

Maldives 1 (Mariyam Rifa 27’)

India 11 (Lhingdeikim 12’, 16’, 56’, 59’, Kajol Dsouza 15’, Hawwa Haneefa 17’ o.g., Pooja 41’, Sibani Devi 45+1’, Simran Gurung 62’, 68’, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi 71’ p)

UEFA has confirmed the title of the second-division women's European football tournament. The new flagship tournament will be called the 'UEFA Women's Europa Cup', which will aim to expand the competitiveness of women's football in continental stages. 

Presenting the 🏆 UEFA Women’s Europa Cup 🏆!

The UEFA Executive Committee has approved the name of the newly created second women’s club competition that will kick off from the 2025/26 season.

🤩 An exciting new era for women's football in Europe!

— UEFA (@UEFA) December 16, 2024

The tournament is set to commence from the 2025-26 season and will adopt a knockout format.

A new era begins

On 2 December 2023, the UEFA Executive Committee approved the post-2025 sporting concept for European women’s club football.

The UEFA Women's Europa Cup will be of similar importance as the UEFA Europa League which is the existing second-divison of men's European football competitions. However, the 'Cup' in the title implies the knockout status of the newly-formed tournament.

UEFA has addressed the new tournament to be "primed for drama and unpredictability". The official logo, branding, and trophy design will be unveiled in 2025.

Format and qualification 

The UEFA Women’s Europa Cup will be played consisting of six different rounds– two qualifying rounds, the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a two-legged final to crown the inaugural champions.

13 teams will be eligible for direct qualification to this tournament; third-placed teams from leagues of the UEFA nations ranked 8-13, and runners-up from associations ranked 18-24.

The UEFA Women's Europa Cup's first qualifying round will primarily feature 11 teams eliminated in the UEFA Women's Champions League second qualifying round. On the other hand, 20 teams eliminated from the UWCL second and third qualifying rounds will enter the Europa Cup second qualifying round.

Significant changes in women's football in Europe

Major boost incoming for Women's club football in Europe from next season onwards, featuring:

👑 A revamped and fully centralised @UWCL
🏆 The new UEFA Women's Europa Cup
💰 A new financial distribution system that will benefit clubs across the continent.

More: ⤵️

— UEFA (@UEFA) December 16, 2024

As the UEFA Women's Champions League will also welcome notable changes from next season onwards, UEFA shows its commitment to expanding women's football to more countries marking a long-standing transformation. UEFA stated the following in its official announcement in July 2024:

Both competitions have been developed with the aim of increasing competitiveness and maximising participation while also considering calendar constraints and player load.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also stated:

UEFA has placed huge importance on developing women's football in recent years, making enormous strides thanks to a dedicated strategy, solid investment, and a passion to ensure the game is open to everybody. The new UEFA Women's Champions League format and the introduction of a second competition are further demonstration of this commitment and both will be exciting, competitive competitions that allow more players and clubs across the continent to dream of European glory.

The All India Football Federation has released the tentative schedule for the 2024-25 edition of Indian Women's League. Scheduled to be kicked off on 10 January 2025, IWL 2024-25 is going to be the eighth edition of the premier division of women's football league in India. 

8 teams are set to participate in the IWL 2024-25, 6 teams from last season, and two teams that achieved their promotion to the IWL from the IWL 2.

From Complete fixtures to the participating teams, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming edition of the Indian Women's League for the 2024-25 season. 

Teams to participate in the IWL 2024-25

6 out of the 7 participating teams from last season will feature in this edition, as Sports Odisha withdrew themselves from the tournament. The two promoted teams from the IWL 2, Sreebhumi Football Club and Nita Football Academy are the new inclusions this season.  

• Odisha FC Women 

• Gokulam Kerala FC

• Kickstart FC

• Sethu FC

• HOPS FC

• East Bengal FC

• Sreebhumi Football Club

• Nita Football Academy 

Teams to watch this season

1. Odisha FC Women 

Odisha FC Women have already created history as they became the first-ever Indian Club to play in a Champions League group game. They started their AFC WCL preliminary stage campaign against Singapore's Lion City Sailors with a 4-1 victory over them. Coach Crispin Chhetri and his team etched themselves in history by being the first-ever Indian team to qualify for the Champions League group stage with a 2-1 victory against Jordan's top-flight Champions, Etihad Club. 

However, the journey for Odisha FC Women in the AFC Women's Champions League 2024-25 ended up in quite a nightmare as they got knocked out from the group stage after losing all three group games and conceding 24 goals in total! Odisha FC Women faced the worst defeat in their history in the very first game of the WCL as the defending Asian Champions, Urawa Reds Ladies crushed Odisha by 17-0. 

Read Also | Odisha FC crowned IWL 2023-24 Champions after a near-perfect season

But it will be a different story in the IWL because Odisha FC Women will take the field as the defending champions. They finished at the top of the IWL 2023-24 table, winning 10 games out of 12 and collecting 31 points to be crowned Champions.

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 👑@OdishaFCW are crowned Indian Women’s League Champions after a fantastic season filled with dominant performances! 🤩🙌🏻#IWL 🏆 #ShePower 👧 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/acyvchFglI

— I-League (@ILeague_aiff) March 24, 2024

Odisha FC Women scored a total of 31 goals in the tournament while conceding only 4. The Indian Champions will be one of the teams to watch as they will give their all to resist every calamity to defend and retain their title. 

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup Dream

2. Gokulam Kerala FC 

Gokulam Kerala FC is the most successful Women's football club in Indian football with 3 IWL titles won in 2019-20, 2021-22, and 2022-23. They were also the runner-up last season with 29 points in 12 matches. Gokulam Women won 9 out of the 12 games and scored a staggering 33 goals in total. 

Thankful to the almighty ❤️ pic.twitter.com/0uVBrskHAi

— Fazila Ikwaput (@FazilaIkwaput) March 26, 2024

Gokulam missed out on the Championship by just two points and they will bounce back stronger this season. Gokulam's Forward Fazila Ikwaput became the highest goalscorer of the IWL 2024-25 with 13 goals, and this Ugandan international will again be donning Gokulam's shirt. 

Hemam Shilky Devi will again lead Gokulam's defence who was officially named the Best Defender of last season. Soumya Guguloth and Sandhiya Ranganathan who scored 7 and 6 goals last season respectively will again play for the title this season. 

Read Also | IWL 2023-24 Exclusive: India's top-tier women's football tournament on grounds without a single grass

Previous Winners 

Complete Fixtures