Warriors edge Zambia on penalties to secure spot in Four-Nations final
By Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe Warriors stormed the final of the Four Nations Tournament at Bingu Stadium, Malawi on Saturday following a gallant comeback from 2 goals down to Zambia to force a stalemate that spilled into a penalty shootout they eventually won 6-5.
The Norman Mapeza coached side found itself having to deal with a 2-goal deficit in the early stages of the clash when the neighbours nosed ahead through a header by skipper Stoppilla Sunzu just after 2 minutes into the clash.
Zambia doubled their advantage through a curling effort by Clatous Chama who found the top corner of the goalpost.
Zimbabwe, however, rallied back just before halftime as Macauley Bonne capitalized on a chance, connecting with Daniel Musendami to narrow the deficit.
In the dying moments of the first half, former Sekhukhune United striker Walter Musona found the net, leveling the score at 2-2.
The second half saw Zimbabwe dominating possession and testing the Zambian defense with several long-range attempts, but neither side could break the deadlock, leading to a tense penalty shootout.
The decisive moment came when Daniel Musendami converted the winning penalty, sealing a 6-5 victory for Zimbabwe.
In the final, Zimbabwe will face the winner of the Malawi-Kenya match, while Zambia will compete for third place against the loser of that encounter.
Starting Lineups:
Zambia: Lawrence Mulenga, Bendict Chepteshi, Kebson Kamanga, Stoppila Sunzu, Dominic Chanda, Miguel Chaiwa, Gampani Lungu, Clatous Chama, Emmanuel Banda, Kennedy Musonda, Patson Daka
Zimbabwe: Bernard Donavan, Munashe Garananga, Jordan Zemura, Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe, Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Walter Musona, Daniel Musendami, Tinotenda Kadewere, Macauley Bonne
