REPORT | WNT 3-2 Zambia

Ireland started well with early chances falling for Leanne Kiernan, who volleyed wide after just two minutes, and Claire O’Riordan, who lifted her shot over the bar after a scramble in the penalty area.

But it was Zambia who took the lead in the 16th minute. Barbra Banda hooked the ball across the goalmouth and a deflection off Atkinson took it onto the near post before bouncing into the net off ‘keeper Courtney Brosnan.

The Girls in Green went into the break a goal behind but it didn’t take long to draw level after the restart. On 49 minutes Larkin’s shot was handled and sub Amber Barrett rolled the penalty home.

Ireland went ahead 14 minutes later when Claire O’Riordan got her first senior international goal, heading home from a free kick. And eight minutes after that Barrett scored her second, clipping a beautifully judged shot over Hazel Nali in the Zambia goal.

Zambia pulled one back 11 minutes from time when Racheal Kundananji turned Heather Payne, outpaced Harriett Scott and drove a powerful shot low past Brosnan, setting up an intense final ten minutes.

But despite some frantic play in the final stages Vera Pauw’s side protected their lead to register a winning start to their World Cup build up.

Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Niamh Fahey (Harriett Scott 46), Louise Quinn, Claire O’Riordan; Heather Payne, Ruesha Littlejohn (Ciara Grant 46), Megan Connolly, Izzy Atkinson (Chloe Mustaki 46); Abbie Larkin (Lucy Quinn 64), Saoirse Noonan (Amber Barrett 46), Leanne Kiernan (Erin McLaughlin 46).

Zambia: Hazel Nali; Margaret Belemu, Agness Musesa, Lushomo Mweemba (Vast Phiri 67), Judith Soko; Xiomara Mapepa (Ochumba Oseke 67), Susan Banda (Rhoda Chileshe 67), Susan Katongo, Evarine Rachael Kundananji; Grace Chanda; Barbra Banda.

Referee: Caroline Lanssens (Belgium).