Zambia are the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship champions after winning 4-3 on penalties against Banyana Banyana following 120 minutes of no goals.
Banyana coach Maud Khumalo made three changes to the side that defeated Mozambique in the semi-final. Khutso Pila started ahead of Sinamile Mkhwanazi, Asanda Hadebe for Kesha Hendricks and Nobahle Mdelwa for Promise Selana.
Zambia were all over South Africa in the opening minutes of the first half, keeping the ball in the hosts half however could not create clear scoring chances with their early possession. The Copper Queens got a clear shot when they won a set-piece in the 12th minute however Pauline Zulu shot over the bar.
Banyana missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 41st minute when they won a corner. Tshegofatso Motlogelwa took the kick sent it into the Zambian box, the Zambian keeper spilled and Asanda Hadebe couldn’t capitalise on the second ball to score.
The start of the second half belonged to Banyana with Isabella Ludwig shooting from range and missing the target by an inch. In the 53rd minute Mdelwa banged the ball in the net however VAR ruled out the goal. Lungowe Namasiku came one on one with Williams in Zambia’s attempt to score but the keeper made an important block to deny her.
A bad clearance by Zambia defence saw Shannon Macomo also try her luck at goal only to shoot wide. Banyana missed yet another golden chance to score in the 78th minute, after Hadebe set-up Mdelwa who missed a glaring target.
The game dragged into extra time with the first half characterised by both sides huffing and puffing. Fridah Mukoma had a moment of brilliance in the second half of extra time however missed the target by an inch.
AWARDS:
Golden Glove:
Jessica Williams South Africa 🇿🇦 #1
Golden Boot:
Ochumba Lubanji Zambia 🇿🇲 #9
Fridah Mukoma Zambia 🇿🇲 #11
Player of the Tournament:
Isabella Ludwig South Africa 🇿🇦 8
Fair Play:
Zambia
