Australia vs Zambia: Matildas suffer NIGHTMARE start to do-or-die Olympic Games clash with Zambia as underdogs score in just 40 SECONDS to stun Aussies

The Matildas suffered a horror opening minute in their crunch Olympic Games clash against Zambia on Sunday, conceding in just 40 seconds.

Australia, having been destroyed 3-0 by Germany in their first match of the competition on Thursday, need to win and secure a sizeable goal advantage to put themselves in contention to reach the knockout stages.

But Tony Gustavsson's side suffered the worst possible start as Barbara Banda's speculative effort deceived goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, hitting the crossbar before going into the back of the net. 

Their early setback gave the under-performing Aussies much-needed motivation to turn things around, and Alanna Kennedy rose highest to power home a header from a Steph Catley free kick in the seventh minute to level the scores. 

But Zambia refused to roll over, with Rachael Kundananji - the world's most expensive female footballer - putting the minnows back in front before they doubled their advantage through Banda again.

Real Madrid star Hayley Raso halved the deficit, but Banda sealed a first half hat trick after a Van Egmond clearance deflected off the attacker and looped over Arnold's head into the back of the net. 

Gustavsson needs to give the mother of all team talks to secure victory and deny the Zambians of their first ever win at the Olympics.  

More to follow.