Chipolopolo make Zambians proud, beat Lesotho 1- nil to defend COSAFA CUP

Chipolopolo have made history by defending the COSAFA Cup for the second time in history and recording a seventh title.

This was after edging Lesotho one goal to nil in a tightly contested match at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

Zambia scored the lone goal of the match in the 79th minute courtesy of a towering header by Moyela Libamba.

Libamba connected sweetly from a Joshua Mutale corner to score the winning goal, seeing off a stubborn Lesotho squad who put up a spirited fight.

This is the second time Zambia is defending the COSAFA Cup having won it back to back in 1997 and 1998.

Coach Moses Sichone made a brave call that paid off in the 62nd minute by making a double substitution that influenced the match with Mutale and Andrew Phiri coming in for Albert Kangwanda and Kelvin Kampamba respectively.

It was substitute Mutale who provided the inch perfect corner kick that met the head of Libamba to score the winning goal.

Lesotho had short lived joy in the 50th minute when they scored but unfortunately for them, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant will be satisfied with the performance as he watched the match from the crowd.

Some players from the Sichone all locally-assembled team could have a future in the national team for future competitive encounters.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.