The much anticipated 15h30 kick off between Zambia and Eswatini lived up to all to all expectations with the first attack of the match coming in a minute into the game when Sinenkosi Dlamini’s trademark cross found Banele Nkambule, who could not direct his shot for the opener.
Zambian dangerman, Rickson Ng’ambi could have grabbed the lead minutes later, after a misjudged ball saw him through on goal for him to disappointingly send his effort wide.
It continued to be end-to-end action as the troublesome Joseph Banda did well to connect to a floating ball with a strong volley that was saved by Siyabonga Magagula in the 15th minute.
The hosts were unfortunate not to take the lead at the half hour mark when the speedy Nkambule did well to cut his cross back for the oncoming Sizwe Khumalo who saw his effort rebound of the woodwork.
Young Chipolopolo eventually found the lead in the 37th minute after a brilliant cross to the far post found Emmanuel Mukhosha who chested the ball down before firing home to give the Zambians a first half lead.
The lead was doubled in the 66th minute after Ng’ambi dispossessed Philiswa Dube from a high press to find Lombe Mutale, who fired into the roof of the net from close range.
Eswatini tried to unlock the stubborn defense of the Zambians who continued to be resolute for a well-deserved 2-0 victory and put one foot forward into the semi-finals.
Looking at tomorrow’s fixtures, Seychelles and Lesotho who suffered the worst defeats of the competitions at 5-1 and 5-0 respectively will be looking at putting up much-improved performances when they meet at the Somhlolo Stadium.
Mozambique then takes on Angola, in a match up involving two teams that are high in confidence following their impressive high scoring victories.
Malawi will aim to extend their lead on in group C when they face a confident Comoros who pulled off the first upset of the tournament after edging last year’s finalists, Namibia 1-0 in their opening fixture.
South Africa conclude the day with a tricky assignment against Namibia who will be hoping to redeem themselves from their disappointing 1-0 loss against Comoros.
MONDAY FIXTURES
Seychelles v Lesotho
Mozambique v Angola
Comoros v Malawi
Namibia v South Africa
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 8
Goals scored: 22
Biggest victory: Angola 5 Lesotho 0, Mozambique 5 Seychelles 0 (08 October 2022)
Most goals in a game: 6 (08 October 2022)
GOALSCORERS
2 goals – Rickson Ng’ambi (Zambia), Diogenes Inacio (Angola), Djwa Ramos (Mozambique), Denio Munhave (Mozambique)
1 goals – Chipyoka Songa (Zambia), Nonofo Mosweunyane (Botswana), Mayibongwe Mabuza (Eswatini), Vincent Mkandawire (Malawi), Chifundo Mphasi (Malawi), Danilson Makokisa (Angola), Isaac Vidal (Angola), Antonio Lopes (Angola), Antonio Sumbane (Mozambique), Glen Younousse (Comoros), Chamito Alfandega (Mozambique), Botshelo Motsheja (Botswana), Emmanuel Mukosha (Zambia), Lombe Mutale (Zambia).
OWN GOAL
1 goal – Nonofo Mosweunyane (Botswana)
