Defending champions Zambia were forced to settle for a goalless draw against neighbours Zimbabwe in a tightly contested Group B encounter at the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship on Sunday.
Played at Seshego Stadium, the Zambezi derby became the first match of the tournament to finish without a goal, as two of the competition’s heavyweights cancelled each other out in a disciplined tactical battle.
The result leaves the Copper Queens top of Group B on four points, level with the Mighty Warriors but ahead on goal difference after two matches. Zimbabwe also moved to four points, setting up a finely poised race for a semi-final berth.
Clear-cut chances were at a premium in a cagey opening half. Zimbabwe came closest shortly after the half-hour mark when Nobukhosi Ncube delivered a dangerous corner into the area, but Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali reacted well to punch clear under pressure.
The closing stages of the first period were played at a higher tempo. Eneless Phiri fired off target for Zambia, while captain Kabange Mupopo came within inches of breaking the deadlock with a long-range effort that grazed the roof of the net.
Zimbabwe began the second half brightly and nearly caught Zambia cold inside the opening five minutes, but Rutendo Makore’s effort failed to seriously test Nali.
Zambia responded with their best opportunity of the match. Agnes Phiri rattled the crossbar after being cleverly set up by Mupopo, a moment that briefly lifted the tempo as the champions searched for a breakthrough.
Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find the decisive touch in a match defined by defensive organisation and midfield discipline.
Earlier in the day, Botswana and Eswatini shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the same group. The result leaves them third and fourth respectively, each with a single point, and still in contention heading into the final round of group fixtures.
With Zambia and Zimbabwe locked on four points apiece, Group B remains delicately balanced — and the battle for knockout qualification promises a dramatic conclusion as Zambia faces Eswatini and Zimbabwe battle Botswana on Tuesday in the final group matches.
