adminZambia and Malawi set up a final date in tomorrow’s Cosafa Cup 2015 Plate Final when they both claimed victory in their last 4 clashes at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace yesterday.Zambia breezed past west African guest nation Ghana 3-0 in the first game of the day, before Malawi overcame hosts South Africa in a penalty shoot-out after their semi-final had finished in a 0-0 draw.
Defending cup champions Zambia were rampant in their clash as they scored three goals in the first half through Bornwell Mwape, Aaron Katebe, Nathan Sinkala.
Ghana were second-best to everything and never offered much of a threat as Chipolopolo eased into the Plate final.
There they will meet Malawi, who came under pressure at times against South Africa, but more than held their own.
Bafana Bafana now exit the competition without having scored a goal in their two games after losing 5-4 in the shoot-out.
Today will see the Cup semi-finals played as Namibia take on Madagascar at the Moruleng Stadium 17h00 local time.
Both sides have been in excellent form in the competition and that should set up a tasty tie full of action.
Namibia coach Ricardo Mannetti acknowledges his side are up against a top opponent.
“They are not to be underestimated. They came a long way and have beaten some worthy opponents,” he said. “Ghana is not easy and they came out of their group confidently so we must and will respect them. It’s seminal and anything can happen.
“We remain positive. We’ve still had another gear in us and we need to step up today and we’re still improving. If we can do that I’m very positive that we can get a desired positive outcome against Madagascar.”
The second semi-final sees Botswana play Mozambique at the same venue in another intriguing clash at 19h30 local time.
Zebras coach Peter Butler says his side will not be getting ahead of themselves, but are glad to be putting smiles on the faces of their countrymen.
“We’ll remain humble,” he said. “Keep our feet on the ground and take it as it comes. We’ve had a great week after good preparation. This gives the Botswana people something to scream and shout about.”
Online Reporter