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A DRAMATIC late goal from Cidalia Cuta powered Mozambique to a draw which eliminated the Mighty Warriors from the COSAFA Women Championships yesterday.
The Mighty Warriors were just three minutes from qualifying for the semi-finals.
After winning one game and losing the other, the Mighty Warriors did not have their fate in their hands.
But, when Lesotho scored to lead in their game against Mozambique yesterday, it powered the Mighty Warriors to the top of the table.
Nthabeleng Potsane scored the opener for Shalane Lehohla’s side, which actually took Zimbabwe temporarily to the top of the pool on head-to-head.
However, the late equaliser helped the Mozambicans to qualify for the last four by topping Group D with four points.
Mozambique had a goal disallowed in the first half while they created most of the chances and were unlucky to not score more against Lesotho, who also had Moseme Khashane sent off.
Mozambique are the only one of the four semi-finalists yet to lift the trophy.
South Africa are record seven-time winners, while Zambia (2022) and Malawi (2023) have a single win each.
The semi-final line-up was completed yesterday.
Hosts South Africa will take on Mozambique and defending champions Malawi face Zambia in a repeat of last year’s final.
The matches will be played tomorrow at the Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha with entrance for fans FREE of charge.
Zambia booked their last four place yesterday after seeing off 10-player Comoros 7-0 in the last Group C match at Madibaz Stadium.
After Comoros had Nasrine Hadharay sent off for an incident in the first minute, Fridah Mukoma scored a hat-trick, Ochuba Lubandji netted a brace with Regina Chanda and Charity Mubanga getting a goal each to see the Copper Queens finish top of the group with six points and without conceding a goal.
That set up a repeat clash with Malawi, who had booked their spot on Monday by winning Group B, and is a chance for Zambia to exact revenge for their 2-1 loss in last year’s decider. — Sports Reporter/COSAFA.
Online Reporter