Zambia beat Lesotho to reach COSAFA Plate final
Goals from Paul Katema, Spencer Sautu and Charles Zulu saw Zambia through to the Plate final of the 2016 Cosafa Castle Cup via a 3-2 victory over Lesotho in a semi-final match played at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
Following their 4-2 loss on post-match penalties to Swaziland in the quarter final played on Sunday, Chipolopolo assistant coach Aggrey Chiyangi made four changes to his starting eleven, giving starts to goalkeeper Racha Kola, Spencer Sautu, Jacob Ngulube and Patson Daka.
Zambia controlled the match from the start and their dominance paid off on 15 minutes when Paul Katema rose highest to head home Charles Zulu’s corner.
Lesotho got themselves back in the game on the stroke of halftime as Phafa Tšosane curled home a brilliant freekick to ensure the two sides ended the first half on level terms.
Basia Makepe put Lesotho in front for the first time as he headed home nine minutes after the break from Jeremea Kamela’s corner but the lead lasted only two minutes as Spencer Sautu equalised on 56 minutes with a stunning long-range effort.
Ten minutes later Man-of-the-Match Charles Zulu scored the winner and it was a goal of absolute class. The Zanaco winger brilliantly controlled a long ball and advanced through on goal before placing a composed finish past goalkeeper Liteboho Mokhehle.
Lesotho almost got back on level terms in the 72nd minute but Kola rushed off his line to deny Thabo Seakhoa in a one on one situation.
Chiyangi’s men continued to dominate in the dying stages with Jacob Ngulube, Spencer Sautu and Emmanuel Museka wasting good chances.
Chiyangi said the victory was a good response following Sunday’s disappointing loss to Swaziland.
“We were very disappointed with the loss. But the boys have done well to play this game and win it. It was a very difficult game but they did their best. They equalised and then scored the winning goal,” said Chiyangi.
Zambia will play hosts Namibia in the Plate final after they thrashed Mozambique 3-0.
Lesotho XI: Liteboho Mokhehle, Sepiriti Malefane, Basia Makepe, Kopano Tseka, Hlompho Kalake, Phafa Tšosane, Kefuoe Mahula, Jane Thaba-Ntšo (Mabuti Potloane 82′),Tšepo Seturumane (Sera Motebang 74′), Montoeli Sonopo (Thabo Seakhoa 47′) Jeremea Kamela.
Subs: Mafa Moremoholo, Sera Motebang, Mabuti Potloane, Motlomelo Mkwanazi, Daniel Jousse, Thabo Seakhoa.
Zambia XI: Racha Kola, Adrian Chama, Buchizya Mfune, Donashano Malama, Paul Katema, Festus Mbewe (Conlyde Luchanga 90+3), Charles Zulu, Patson Daka (Salulani Phiri 67′), Spencer Sautu, Emmanuel Museka, Jacob Ngulube.
Subs: Danny Munyao, Benedict Chepeshi, Boyd Mkandawire, Salulani Phiri, Conlyde Luchanga, Webster Mulenga, Steward Chikandiwa, Tresford Mulenga.