Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in Ndola, Zambia
Zambia 3-0 Zimbabwe
THE Mighty Warriors’ encouraging revival under coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda received a sobering examination last night after Zambia underlined the gap that still exists between Zimbabwe and the continent’s leading women’s football nations in the final of the 4Nations Championship at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
This defeat was about more than silverware.
It exposed the fine margins that separate an emerging side from an established force preparing for next month’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco. Zimbabwe matched their neighbours for long spells, particularly in a competitive first half, but Zambia’s superior quality in both penalty areas ultimately told the story.
The Copper Queens, who have become regular participants at major international tournaments, punished Zimbabwe’s mistakes and capitalised on crucial moments. The Mighty Warriors, by contrast, were left to reflect on opportunities missed and defensive lapses that proved costly against opponents of this calibre.
For a Zimbabwe side still rebuilding after years of inactivity and under-investment in women’s football, there were positives to take from the tournament. Yet this final also highlighted the work that remains if they are to consistently challenge the region’s best.
The defining moment arrived shortly before halftime.
Zimbabwe had looked organised, disciplined and capable of troubling the hosts. In fact, they came closest to opening the scoring when Ethel Chinyerere used her strength and determination to break through on goal. With Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali exposed, the striker appeared poised to give the visitors a priceless lead. Instead, she shot straight at the goalkeeper and the opportunity disappeared.
Against elite opposition, such moments are rarely forgiven.
Within minutes Zambia made Zimbabwe pay. Rachel Kundananji, one of Africa’s most feared forwards, exploited space behind the defence and calmly finished to hand the hosts the breakthrough. It was a cruel swing in momentum and one from which the Mighty Warriors never fully recovered.
The goal altered both the mood and tactical complexion of the contest.
Zimbabwe had been competitive and willing to attack before the interval. After the break, however, Zambia took control. Their movement became sharper, their confidence grew and they repeatedly forced Zimbabwe onto the defensive.
Kundananji remained central to everything dangerous Zambia produced. Her pace and intelligence stretched the Zimbabwean backline and created openings for teammates. One surging run down the flank resulted in a simple finish for Prisca Chilufya as the hosts tightened their grip on the final.
Chilufya then delivered the decisive blow when she once again exposed Zimbabwe’s defensive vulnerability, racing clear before producing a composed finish.
The scoreline perhaps looked harsh on a Zimbabwe side that had shown promise for significant periods, but it also reflected the clinical edge Zambia possessed throughout the night.
The contrast between the teams was most visible in key moments. Zimbabwe created opportunities but failed to take them. Zambia created opportunities and converted them. At this level, that difference often decides finals.
There were still encouraging performances within the Mighty Warriors ranks. The midfield worked tirelessly against technically gifted opponents while the team showed discipline and structure for much of the contest. The players also demonstrated resilience by refusing to abandon their approach despite falling behind.
Coach Sibanda chose to focus on those positives while acknowledging the costly mistakes that shaped the outcome.
“I am really disappointed by the way we conceded the goals,” she said.
“It was a tough game that we knew we would be punished if we committed errors. But in terms of performance, my girls were up there.
“They tracked well and passed the ball very well. I am really impressed by how they just popped up and composed themselves against a team with such quality and helped by a huge support base in the stadium.
“We take this as a learning curve. As you see, we now have a young squad coming up. They are doing well and I am really happy.
“It’s just that maybe we lacked composure in the most crucial moments. But we have somewhere to start building from.”
Her assessment captured the wider picture.
Zimbabwe leave Ndola without the trophy but with valuable lessons. The tournament demonstrated that the Mighty Warriors are becoming increasingly competitive again after years of disruption. It also showed that closing the gap on regional heavyweights such as Zambia will require continued investment, more international exposure and greater composure in decisive moments.
For Zambia, the victory reinforces confidence ahead of WAFCON.
Teams
Zimbabwe
Cynthia Shonga, Thandekile Mandaba, Fiona Kabera, Egness Tumbare, Sheila Antonio, Daisy Kaitano, Christabel Katona, Priviledge Mupeti, Ruvimbo Mucherera, Emmaculate Msipa, Ethel Chinyerere
Zambia
Hazel Nali, Lushomo Mweemba, Rhoda Chileshe, Margaret Belemu, Grace Chanda, Ochumba Lubandji, Ireen Lungu, Rachael Kundananji, Rachael Nachula, Martha Tembo, Prisca Chilufya
Bongani Ndlovu