COSAFA Cup Wrap: Zambia crowned champions, South Africa take third

Zambia have been crowned COSAFA Cup champions after a 2-0 win over defending champions Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The host nation were beaten by Zimbabwe in the 2009 final but got their revenge thanks to goals from Alex N’gonga and Kabaso Chongo.

N’gonga gave Zambia the perfect start with a well struck free-kick after just four minutes, much to the joy of the home crowd.

Zambia were then forced to withstand heavy Zimbabwe pressure but went in one up at the break before an impressive Danny Munyau save to keep out Ronald Chitiyo’s header after 66 minutes frustrated Klaus Dieter Pagels’ side further.

The game was all but over when, a minute into injury time, substitute Chongo scored Zambia’s second to ensure Herve Renard’s side were victiorious.

Prior to the final, South Africa came back from a goal down to win against Lesotho and secure third place in the competition.

Lesotho went ahead after 22 minutes through a Tlali Maile penalty but Masango Mandla equalised for Gordon Igesund’s men two minutes from the break.

Hlompho Kekana gave his side the lead again before Lesotho were handed a golden opportunity to equalise after 73 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following a handball in the area.

However, Maile’s effort was well saved by Wayne Sandilands to ensure South Africa finished the competition in third place.