The Matildas have pulled off a miraculous comeback victory against Zambia to keep their Olympic campaign alive, scoring four consecutive goals in the second half to secure a dramatic 6-5 victory in Nice on Monday morning AEST.

Zambia, ranked No. 64 in the world, slotted four goals during a frantic first half, including a hat-trick for captain Barbra Banda, before racing towards a 5-2 lead in the 56th minute.

The Australians were staring down the barrel of an early exit from the tournament before a stunning turnaround in the second half, taking the lead in the dying moments courtesy of an own goal, penalty kick, goalkeeping blunder and 90th-minute winner.

The Matildas were far from their best throughout the topsy-turvy contest, missing regulation chances at goal and shooting themselves in the foot with sloppy defensive errors. However, Zambia’s recklessness in defence, plus some match fatigue, aided an Australian comeback for the ages.

“Craziest game ever,” former Socceroos footballer Craig Foster tweeted.

“Gutsiest performance. Talk about never say die. Unbelievable.”

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After suffering a 3-0 loss to Germany last week, Australia can still qualify for the quarter-finals pending Thursday’s clash against defending champions USA and other results.

“We want that medal,” Matildas veteran Michelle Heyman told Channel 9 after the match.

“We are trying our hardest to bring something home.

“We knew we could do it. It was going to come.

“We have it our all, and we never gave up.”

Earlier, Banda only needed 55 seconds to unearth Zambia’s opener, nailing an off-balance shot from outside the box that evaded Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

The Australians returned serve six minutes later off the set piece, with captain Steph Catley looping the ball towards Alanna Kennedy who slotted a classy header into the net.

Matildas defender Clare Hunt missed an open goal in 15th minute before an unmarked header from teammate Katrina Gorry sailed over the bar.

Scores were tied at 1-1 before Zambia reclaimed the lead in the 21st minute when Racheal Kundananji expertly placed the ball in the bottom right corner, bouncing off the upright into the net.

Banda, the 24-year-old Copper Queens striker, extended Zambia’s lead to 3-1 in the 33rd minute with a well-direct strike before Australia’s Hayley Rosso nailed a header to give the Matildas a glimmer of hope.

However, during added time in the first half, disaster struck for the Australians when defender Emily van Egmond attempted to clear the ball out of the box, only for her kick to somehow ricochet off Banda’s outstretched foot into the goal.

Zambia led 4-2 at halftime, but the chaos was far from over.

The African nation’s fifth goal arrived in the 56th minute courtesy of a glancing header from Kundananji, further exposing Australia’s defensive flaws.

However, the Matildas struck back less than a minute later to reduce the deficit, with a Zambia defender kicking the ball into the goalkeeper’s back for a comical own goal.

Australia thought they had secured its fourth when keeper Ngambo Musole fumbled the ball to gift Caitlin Foord a free shot at goal, but VAR intervened when replays showed a clear foul.

But the Matildas didn’t have to wait long for their next goal, with Musole botching what should have been a regulation save off Catley’s free kick in the 63rd minute.

With less than 13 minutes remaining on the clock, Australia was awarded a penalty when Zambian defender Esther Muchinga stepped on Foord’s foot for a needless foul. Catley made no mistake with the penalty attempt.

There were frantic scenes in the final ten minutes as both sides desperately searched for a winner, with Foord on two occasions failing to convert chances at goal.

However, the decisive moment arrived when Heyman, who came on as a substitute, slotted the ball past Musole in a one-on-one contest, sealing Australia’s unforgettable win.

“I just wanted to get on that field and give it my all,” Heyman continued.

“I really want that medal, and I’ll do anything to get that and bring it home.

“I’m just so proud to be part of it.”

Several of Zambia’s players broke down in tears after the defeat, with Matildas superstar Mary Fowler consoling Musole after a tough night in goal.

Australia will next face the USA at Marseille Stadium on Thursday morning at 3am AEST.