Zimbabwe 0-1 Zambia

PRETORIA — Zimbabwe’s brave run in the 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship came to an end on Friday as they lost 1-0 to defending champions Zambia in the semi-finals at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

The Mighty Warriors, who were playing in their first international tournament since FIFA lifted their ban, gave a spirited performance and matched the Copper Queens for most of the game, but were undone by a second-half goal from Sarah Jere.

Zimbabwe had topped Group C with seven points and had the best defensive record from the group stage, conceding only once. They also had some of the most exciting players in the tournament, such as Vimbai Mharadzi, Priviledge Mupeti and Rudo Neshamba.

However, they faced a tough challenge against Zambia, who had also topped Group B with seven points and had scored 11 goals in three games. Coach Florence Nkatya’s side had a balanced squad with experienced players like Esther Siamfuko, Pauline Zulu and Fridah Kabwe, as well as young talents like Jere and goalkeeper Letisha Lungu.

The semi-final was a tense affair, with both teams cautious in the opening stages and creating few clear chances. Zimbabwe had a free-kick in the 20th minute, but Mharadzi’s shot was saved by Lungu, who was the only change in the Zambia starting XI. Kabwe and Jere also missed the target for Zambia, while Zimbabwe suffered a blow when their top scorer Ennety Chemhere had to be replaced due to an injury.

Zimbabwe came close to scoring in injury time of the first half, when Mupeti’s shot was parried by Lungu, who then made another save from Neshamba’s follow-up. The teams went into the break level at 0-0.

The second half started with more intensity, and Zambia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Jere scored her fourth goal of the tournament with a low shot that beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga. Zimbabwe tried to respond, but Zambia defended well and looked for a second goal to seal the game.

Zulu almost doubled Zambia’s lead in the 60th minute, but her shot hit the post. She was then fouled and Zambia won a free-kick, which Siamfuko took but Shonga blocked with her body. Zimbabwe pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Zambia held on and secured their place in the final.

Zambia will face Malawi, who beat Mozambique 2-1 in the other semi-final, on Sunday at the same venue. Zimbabwe will play Mozambique for the third place on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe coach Shadreck Mlauzi was absent from the bench amid allegations of sexually harassing a female member of his technical team and some players. He watched the game from the stands, while assistant coaches Yohane Chikaola and Sithethelelwe Sibanda took charge of the team. – Kukurigo