Zambia knock Zimbabwe out of Cosafa Cup

Zambia knock Zimbabwe out of Cosafa Cup

DISAPPONTMENT: Valinhos' Warriors failed to convert chances

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

ZIMBABWE had a goal disallowed, then lost a penalty shoot-out 5-4 to Zambia in the quarter finals of the COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup at the Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on Sunday.

Cuthbert Malajila had his spot kick saved by Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene, who then stepped up and beat his opposite number Washington Arubi to earn Chipolopolo a semi-final date with South Africa.

Gilbert Banda, Elvis Meleka, Evans Chikwaikwai and Charles Chiutsa converted their penalties for a Warriors squad made up largely of players from the domestic league and a sprinkling of South Africa-based stars.

Platinum Stars midfielder Joel Luphahla – returning to the Warriors fold after a career threatening injury -- hit out at South African referee Jonas Nhlapo for what he believes was questionable match officiating.

Luphahla, who was captaining the Warriors for the first time, said Nhlapho, who was assisted by Lesotho’s Tsepo Mokemisa and Said Balar of the Comoros, disallowed a legitimate goal in the 79th minute of the match when Luphahla’s replacement Charles Chiutsa shrugged off a defender and beat Mweene from close range.

“The referee cost us the match,” says Luphahla.

“That was a clear goal and it puzzles the mind why the referee ruled it offside. It is disappointing to lose a match under such circumstances after having put in immense effort in the match. Nonetheless, the lads played very well and nothing, including such refereeing, can take that away.”

The decision also incensed the Warriors bench.

In truth, the game was a dreary affair -- thin on goal scoring opportunities and devoid of flair. Perhaps, the absence of Dynamos’ little magician Edward Sadomba – who remained with his club -- made all the difference.

The Warriors were millimetres from taking the lead on 19 minutes when the woodwork denied Zhaimu Jambo who curled a free kick that beat a flat-footed Mweene.

At the other end, veteran Elijah Tana had the Zimbabweans’ hearts in their hands but luckily his free kick sailed narrowly wide.

Coach Valinhos was disappointed with the defeat.

“That happens in football, but I am disappointed. We had a goal disallowed, we had the possession but we could not convert the chances,” he said.

Teams
Zimbabwe: W. Arubi, D. Kutyauripo, G. Banda, Z. Jambo, O. Moyo, E. Meleka, L. M’tizwa (M. Maphosa 58th minute), C. Matawu (E. Chikwaikwai 80th minute), O.
Karuru, C. Malajila, J. Luphahla (C. Chiutsa 67th minute)

Zambia: Mweene, Kasonde, Tana, Mulenga (T Chinyama 25th minute), Simwanza, Mkandawire, Chiwanki (Kombe 56th minute), Hachilensa, Mayuka, Banda, Kola (Sunzu)
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