Mon, 18 Sep 2017 09:23:53 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoesta
THE Zambia women national team yesterday stormed the semi-finals of the ongoing Cosafa women championship in style after defeating minnows Madagascar 7-1.
The Shepolopolo butchered their opponents with a flurry of goals that saw them score three in a space of 22 minutes at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Misozi Banda put Zambia ahead in the sixth minute with a powerful shot from close range.
Player of the match Barbara Banda doubled the lead in the 11th minute but Madagascar reduced the deficit in the 20th minute through S. Farafaniaina.
Two minutes later Banda dimmed Madagascar’s hope when she completed her brace to make it 3-1 for Zambia.
In the second half, Zambia returned reinvigorated and toyed around with Madagascar and exhibited brilliant individual skill.
After unsuccessful attempts on target, Grace Chanda grabbed a fourth goal for Zambia in the 50th minute before experienced striker Noria Sosala made it 5-1.
Rhoda Chileshe scored the sixth goal in the 80th minute, and seconds after, Racheal Nachula put the icing on the cake to confirm Zambia’s qualification to the semi-finals via a 7-1 win.
Zambia finished on top of Group A with seven points while hosts Zimbabwe came out second with five points after a 3-3 a draw against Malawi.
By press time the Shepolopolo were still waiting to know their opponents as South Africa and Botswana battled it out in their Group C match. South Africa was leading the group on six points, two points ahead of Namibia.
Coach Albert Kachinga described the win as spectacular and commended the Shepolopolo for ensuring they went through to the semi-final.
“The girls were just incredible and utilised the scoring opportunities. It is a well-executed task,” he said.
He said the team will prepare well for the semi-final and was ready for any opponent. Zambia is scheduled to play the last four match this Thursday.
