Zimbabwe Warriors win 2018 COSAFA Cup final against Zambia

SOUTH AFRICA: The Zimbabwe Warriors  equalised at the death of injury time and fought bravely to be crowned champions of the COSAFA Castle Cup for a record sixth time following their 4-2 triumph over Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, June 9th.

The Warriors took control of the match in extra time after the match had ended 2-all in regulation time.

Sweden based forward Tinotenda Kadewere opened the scoring board for Zimbabwe following a defensive blunder by Chipolopolo in the 4^th minute before Lazarus Kambole levelled matters four minutes later.

The match would swing from one end to the other with Zimbabwe enjoying 51 percent ball possession.

Kambole, with five minutes after the breather, squizzed the ball past the Warriors goalie George Chigova from a tight angle to give Chipolopolo an upper hand.

However, the Warriors showed character and pushed the Zambians to the wire when Kadewere equalised in added time forcing the final into extra time.

Star striker Khama Billiat was brought down inside the box 10 minutes into extra time and the Warriors were awarded a penalty which the converted to give Zimbabwe a 3-2 lead.

Billiat then sealed the Warriors’ victory with three minutes to go when he successfully placed a Kadewere pass at the edge of the box.

lineups:

Warriors XI: George Chigova (c), Jameson Mukombwe, Alec Mudimu, Kevin Moyo, Devine Lunga, Marshal Munetsi(Hachiro74′), Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Khama Billiat, Talent Chawapiwa(Mavhunga 81′), Terence Dzvukamanja(Rusike65′) and Tino Kadewere.

Zambia XI: Toaster Nsabata ,Shemmy Mayembe, Billy Mutale, Ziyo Tembo, Martin Sikaonga, Benson Sakala, Jack Chirwa , Kelvin Mubanga, John Chingandu,Clatous Chama, Lazarous Kambole.