Simba, winners of the 2022 CECAFA tournament, suffered an opening 1-0 defeat to AS FAR but bounced back with 2-0 win over Determine Girls, and needed an outright win to advance, which they earned seeing off the COSAFA champions.
The two teams playing for the semifinal spot made lively starts to the match with several chances created but no breakthroughs as both sides settled for a goalless draw at half time.
After a barren first half, the Tanzanians came back the more enterprising side and were rewarded with a breakthrough in the 64th minute when substitute Asha Djafari’s glancing header off a fine cross from Fatima Issa beat helpless goalkeeper Aisha Mbwana.
The Zambians pushed for an instant response through attacks spearheaded by Ireen Lungu but the East Africans were rock solid defensively to deny Hellen Chanda and Agnes Musase.
In final 15 minutes, Simba regained dominance and went on to double their lead when Opah Clement made a solo run through the middle and overpowered her marker to make a brilliant finish in the 79th minute.
Late fightback mounted by the Zambian Army following the introductions of Jessy Zulu, Theresa Chewe and Lilian Mwaba but Charles Lukula’s side held on firmly to claim a clinical triumph and confirm the semifinal place.
The result means Green Buffaloes bid the competition goodbye, having finished in third position with three points from three matches, while Simba will keep the CECAFA flag flying in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Simba’s Matchwinner and captain Clement was named the Woman of the Match following her leadership and goalscoring impact in the victory over their Southern African counterparts.
(By CAF Media| Cafonline.com)
The Zambian team looked like it has no coach. There was no system, players looked lost and had not even the least energy needed to conquer their opponents! The midfield was disorganized, the defence spent more time pointing accusing fingers at each other, than playing on the field, while the strikers turned themselves into midfielders, thereby giving the Simba goal-keeper a long holiday. It’s all the coach to blame, as he lacks the technical know-how!