The lowest-ranked team at the competition were spanked 5-0 by Spain and Japan as their chances of getting out of Group C ended in rapid fashion.
But defender Lushomo Mweemba scored after just three minutes in their final group game against Costa Rica in Hamilton — Zambia’s first goal ever at the World Cup.
Then skipper and star striker Barbra Banda made it 2-0 with a penalty just after the half-hour.
Costa Rica, also already eliminated and chasing a first victory at the World Cup, pulled one back through Melissa Herrera two minutes after half-time.
Zambia made the game safe in injury time when Racheal Kundananji got a third.
