Sat, 16 Sep 2017 11:18:03 +0000
By Grace Chaile Lesoesta
ZAMBIA yesterday held hosts Zimbabwe to a 1-1 draw at the on-going COSAFA women championship at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.
The Shepolopolo, who opened their title campaign on a bright note on Wednesday when they thumped Malawi 6-3, failed to replicate a similar performance against the hosts.
The opening half was tightly contested with Rutendo Makore putting Zambia’s goalkeeper Hazel Nali to test in sixth minute with a long range shot.
Grace Chanda could have put Zambia in the lead 10 minutes into the match minute when her cracker slightly missed the post.
Two minutes later, Barbara Banda’s shot was saved by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Chino Dzingirai.
Banda broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a close range shot to send shivers into the defending champions’ camp.
Both teams pushed hard but the first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Shepolopolo but after the break the hosts returned stronger and mounted pressure on their old rivals’ defence.
Five minutes after the restart Makore levelled for the hosts to put them in contention for a semi-final slot.
In 66th minute, Shepolopolo coach Albert Kachinga introduced Rachel Nachula and Irene Lungu for Chanda and Noria Sosala, respectively, but the change did not make any impact as Zambia still struggled to get a second goal.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are in joint leadership of group A but the Shepolopolo are second on goal difference.
Malawi are third on the log with three points after they humbled Madagascar 6-3 yesterday.
Zambia have a seemingly easy encounter against pointless Madagascar in their last group match tomorrow.
In a post-match interview, Kachinga said Zambia had to beat Madagascar to book a semi-final spot.
“It was a tough match, Zimbabwe is a strong side and had massive support from the home fans.
It is unfortunate that they came from behind to frustrate our lead. We still have a chance to qualify, we just have to win the next match,” he said.
