Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DESPITE bowing out of the COSAFA Cup title race at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday, the Mighty Warriors left a lasting impression as the only side in the tournament to hold two WAFCON-bound teams in open play.
Zimbabwe were eliminated by South Africa 4-2 on penalties in Polokwane after the match ended 1-1. Earlier in the group stages, they had also held Zambia to a goalless draw.
In a thriller that drew considerable attention yesterday, Zimbabwe began on the front foot, their pace forcing Banyana Banyana to chase second balls. With speed and precision, the Mighty Warriors were first to test South African goalkeeper Casey Gordon in the eighth minute before Ethel Chinyerere struck in the 11th, finishing off a long pass from Previledge Mupeti.
South Africa soon settled, using wing play to press forward, but goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga was alert to deny them. However, in the 38th minute Gordon launched a long goal-kick that fell perfectly to striker Nthabiseng Majiya, who breached Shonga from inside the box.
The contest remained evenly poised, with both sides making changes, battling for possession, and creating chances without converting.
Mighty Warriors head coach Sibanda praised her side’s resilience despite the defeat.
“I am impressed with the way they played throughout the 90 minutes; they refused to bow down. Unfortunately, with penalties you cannot predict,” she said.
“We brought in senior experienced players who set the tone and gave us the goal. We could have had more because we created a lot of chances. It was always going to be tough, a 50/50 affair with action at both ends. Hard luck to my girls, but they put up a good show.”
Zimbabwe now face Zambia in the third-place play-off tomorrow, while South Africa meet Namibia in the final. The Mighty Warriors will be aiming for a podium finish.
“It’s not every day our girls get to play on such a big stage, and whenever they do, they give it their all,” added Sibanda.
“We will treat the placement game like a Cup final. There is still much to fight for, so there is no time to relax. Above all, I am happy the girls had the grit to hold two WAFCON-bound teams. It shows that with enough exposure, they can be competitive at the highest level.”
South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi will feature at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month, with the COSAFA Cup serving as a key preparatory platform.
