Emma Hayes guides USA to opening victory at Olympics

Zambia were brushed aside.

Friday 26 July 2024 06:38 BST

Emma Hayes had her first game in charge of the USWNT (Julio Cortez/AP) (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes secured a first competitive victory as United States women’s head coach after her side beat 10-woman Zambia 3-0 to open their Olympic campaign in Nice.

Hayes’ side ably shut down Orlando Pride attacking threat Barbra Banda, currently the National Women’s Soccer League team-mate joint top scorer, and her dangerous Zambia team-mate Racheal Kundananji.

Trinity Rodman, one of seven US players making their Olympic debut, opened the scoring with a 17th-minute strike from the fringes of the penalty spot, the assist coming from now three-time Olympian Lindsey Horan.

Two Mallory Swanson goals inside as many minutes, assisted by Horan and Sophia Smith respectively, extended the Americans’ lead to 3-0 by the 25th minute.

Thank you for registering

Emma Hayes guides USA to opening victory at Olympics

Zambia were brushed aside.

Thank you for registering