Zambia surrenders COSAFA

Defending Champions Zambia have been booted out of this year’s COSAFA Cup, after going down 5-4 on post-match penalties to Namibia.

Zambia could not break the Brave Warriors throughout the 90 minutes, and missed several opportunities at goal.

Coach Honour Janza was forced to make his first substitution late in the first half, when he brought in Allan Mukuka for Jackson Mwanza.

The second half continued with the Brave Warriors keeping the Chipolopolo at bay.

Searching for goals, JANZA substituted the ineffective Bornwell Mwape for Under-17 star Patson Daka, but the move did not help matters.

After the 90 minute mark, the game went straight into penalties, with goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene converting the first goal for Zambia.

Kondwani Mtonga equally put the ball behind the net, only for Emmanuel Mbola to shoot over the bar.

Despite Jimmy Ndhlovu and Aaron Katebe converting the spot kicks that followed, it was too late for Zambia as Namibia scored all their five penalties.

And speaking after the game, Janza said the loss is a big lesson for the Chipolopolo, who failed to utilise their chances.

He congratulated the Brave Warriors for putting up a gallant performance.

An excited Namibia coach Ricardo Manetti said time has come for Namibia to shine, after suffering for many years.

It was the fourth meeting in the COSAFA for Zambia and Namibia.

Sunday’s loss has added to Zambia’s disastrous start to the year 2015.

ZNBC