Zambia beat South Africa 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday to win the Cosafa Women’s Championship at the Wolfson Stadium. The final had seen some wasted chances but no goals as 120 minutes left the scoreboard 0-0, leading to penalties. The Copper Queens held their nerve to secure the victory.
Banyana Banyana goalkeeper Jessica Williams won the Golden Glove Award for her outstanding performance throughout the competition.
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 but 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.
Banyana missed yet another golden chance to score in the 78th minute, after Hadebe set-up Mdelwa who missed a glaring target.
The tournament awards
Golden Glove: Jessica Williams (South Africa)
Golden Boot: Ochumba Lubanji and Fridah Mukoma (Zambia)
Player of the Tournament: Isabella Ludwig (South Africa)
Fair Play: Zambia
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