COSAFA Cup Wrap: Zambia, Lesotho reach last four

Zambia and Lesotho moved into the last four of the COSAFA Cup with quarter-final wins on Sunday.

Hosts Zambia defeated Mozambique 3-1 at the Nkwana Stadium, after Lesotho had sealed their place in the semi-finals with a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Angola.

Adam Siddorn’s Lesotho did it the hard way, as they had to come from behind after Cristovao Pacienca Mabululu gave Angola the lead with a stunning long-range effort after 25 minutes.

However, it did not take long for Lesotho to pull level as Tale Thapelo slotted home five minutes before the break.

The second period was a tense and nervy affair as both sides looked to nick the win, and Lesotho almost pinched it in injury time when substitute Lehlomela Ramabele rattled a shot onto the bar.

With extra-time not being used at the COSAFA Cup, the game went to penalties and it was Siddorn’s side who held their nerve, coming through 5-3 to set up a semi-final with holders Zimbabwe.

Zambia, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, made easier work of their last-eight clash as they brushed Mozambique aside.

The hosts were on top from the outset and deservedly took the lead from the penalty spot after 13 minutes, Mwape Bornwell converting after Festus Mbewe was brought down in the box.

Jimmy Chisenga then doubled the hosts’ lead with a superb strike from distance in the 26th minute that left Mozambique goalkeeper Gervasio Cossa with no chance.

The home crowd had to wait until 13 minutes from the end for their side to seal the victory, as substitute Moses Phiri made it 3-0 to render Apsone David Manjare’s late goal for Mozambique nothing more than a consolation.

Zambia will now face South Africa in the semi-finals.