MBABANE – Eswatini’s Sitsebe have bowed out in Polokwane following a second defeat in their group encounters.
In a tense and hard-fought Group B finale at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, defending champions Zambia overcame an early setback to defeat Eswatini 2-1 in the Hollywoodbets Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Women’s Championship yesterday.
The ‘Copper Queens’, who entered the match knowing a victory would guarantee top spot and progression to the semi-finals, displayed resilience and clinical finishing to overturn a Sitsebe lead.
This result sees Zambia finish with seven points from three matches, level with Zimbabwe but ahead on goal difference, while Eswatini bow out with just one point.
The encounter kicked off with Zambia fresh from a 3-0 dismantling of Botswana and a gritty 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and were expected to dominate their fixture against Eswatini.
Assistant Coach Charles Haalubono had warned his side against complacency, emphasising Eswatini’s competitive spirit after their 1-1 draw with Botswana and a narrow defeat to Zimbabwe.
True to form, the underdogs, Eswatini, started brightly, pressing high and disrupting Zambia’s rhythm.
Eswatini stunned the favourites in the 15th minute when Nonjabuliso ‘Shimmy’ Mokgale capitalised on a defensive lapse.
A swift counter-attack saw the forward latch onto a through ball and slot calmly past goalkeeper Avel Chitundu, sending a ripple of shock through the Zambian camp.
It was a deserved opener for Eswatini, who had shown early intent with their organised defence and quick transitions.
Zambia, however, responded with the poise of champions. They ramped up the pressure, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances.
In the 23rd minute, Agnes Musesa restored parity with a well-taken goal. A pinpoint cross from the right flank found Musesa unmarked in the box and she headed powerfully beyond Nompilo Dlamini in the Eswatini goal.
The equaliser settled nerves and shifted momentum, with Zambia controlling the tempo for the remainder of the half.
Eneless Phiri tested Dlamini with a long-range effort, while Kabange Mupopo squandered a promising opportunity just before the break.
At half-time, the sides were level at 1-1, with Zambia holding the upper hand in shots, where they registered eight compared to Eswatini’s three.
The second period began with Zambia asserting their superiority. Just seven minutes in, Avell Chitundu put the Copper Queens ahead with a close-range finish.
Saliya Mwanza’s teasing cross from the left evaded the Eswatini defence, allowing Chitundu to bundle the ball home and spark jubilant celebrations.
The goal invigorated Zambia, who continued to probe for a third. Esther Siamfuko delivered a brilliant cross in the 59th minute, which Ngosa Chabwe controlled superbly before unleashing a fierce strike that Dlamini parried away. Eneless Phiri went close again from distance two minutes later, but Eswatini’s goalkeeper stood firm.
As the match wore on, Eswatini fought valiantly to find an equaliser, launching sporadic counters that tested Zambia’s backline.
This victory not only propels Zambia into the semi-finals but also underlines their status as tournament favourites. They will face the best runner-up from the other groups, potentially Namibia or Malawi, in what is set to be a thrilling knockout phase.
For Eswatini, the campaign ends on a note of pride; they pushed the holders all the way and demonstrated the growing competitiveness of women’s football in the region.
Zambia’s blend of experience and youth proved decisive, with Musesa and Chitundu emerging as herons. As the ‘Copper Queens’ march on, their quest for back-to-back titles gathers pace.
Leave a comment