By MICHAEL MIYOBA
WITH the Copper Queens having denied the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal a spot at the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, the Teranga Lions will seek revenge on behalf of their women when they face the Chipolopolo in today’s semifinal fixture of the Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup.
The clash slated for the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban promises sparks as both teams seek to rewrite history at the regional championship.
While Senegal will be seeking their first COSAFA Championship in their second appearance at the tournament, the Chipolopolo will be aiming to match Zimbabwe’s record as the most successful team with six titles.
Boosted by the presence of coach Aljosa Asanovic who had missed the first game against Botswana which Zambia won 5-4 on penalties, the Chipolopolo will fight to maintain their dominance over the African champions who are still mourning their WAFCON defeat to Zambia.
The game against Senegal is also a tough test for Alsanovic who has declared his charges ready for the Teranga Lions challenge.
“Pressure is always there in football but we are also ready to win the game against Senegal. It won’t be easy for us but we are going to win.
“It is an important game for us, of course every game is important especially now that we are playing the semifinal,” Asanovic said.
Asanovic congratulated the Copper Queens for showing the way to success by qualifying for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, defending champions, Bafana Bafana are out of the 2022 Cosafa Cup after they lost to Mozambique in a dramatic penalty shootout in a quarter-final clash at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The two teams ended regulation time with the score locked at 0-0, and it was Mozambique who came away victorious, claiming the shootout 5-4 after it went into sudden death.
With the scores locked at 4-4, the youthful South African side coached by Helman Mkhalele saw their fate sealed when Siyanda Msani’s attempt from the spot was saved by the Mozambique keeper.
