Durban: Zambia’s shootout tale at the 2019 COSAFA Cup continued on Wednesday when they eliminated defending champions Zimbabwe in the semifinals 4-2 on post-match penalties following a 0-0 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It was the second successive time that Zambia advanced via penalties after beating Malawi by the similar margin in the quarterfinals on June 2 following a 2-2 result at fulltime.
Tandi Mwape, Jack Chirwa, Mwila Phiri and Bruce Musakanya all flawlessly converted for Zambia.
However, Khama Billiat’s penalty was saved by Zambia goalkeeper Sebastian Mwenge while Admiral Muskwe fired wide for Zimbabwe.
It was a game of chess for most of the 90 minutes although Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was the hero , first denying Lazarus Kambole’s breathtaking volley in the 18th minute.
Chipezeze then ensured justice was served when Zambia were given soft penalty in the 40th minute that was a clear ball to hand by Teenage Radebe.
Austin Muwowo confidently stepped up to take spot-kick but Chipezeze made sure there would be no goal number two for the Forest Rangers striker.
Meanwhile, Zambia will now face Botswana in the final on June 8 in Durban and now chasing a fifth title that will move them one closer to record six-time champions Zimbabwe.
