Africa-Press – Zambia. The Zambia U-17 Women’s national team has booked their place in the final of the ongoing COSAFA Women’s U17 Women’s Championship. The Copper Princesses edged Malawi 3-1 on post match penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time to make it to their fourth consecutive final at the tournament.
Coach Naomi Phiri made two changes to the team that thrashed Comoros 10-0, Eunice Mutonyi took up the place of skipper Lubasi Pumulo while Lucy Kajiya made way for Bwalya Namute Chileshe.
The Copper Princesses started well as they were given a golden opportunity barely a minute into the match after Mercy Wasi was judged to have handled inside the area.
Skipper of the day Jessy Zulu stepped up and converted with ease to put the defending Champions in the lead. Malawi started to push for an equalizer but the Copper Princesses were still in the driving seat and went to the break with the narrow lead.
In the second stanza, Malawi’s pressure finally paid off as Rose Kadzere found the back of the net with a fine finish to breach the Zambia backline for the first time in the tournament.
The lead was however restored in the 63rd minute as Blessings Zangose Zulu pounced on a loose ball to score her third goal of the tournament. Kadzere was not done as she completed her brace 14 minutes to time to draw Malawi level for the second time.
Both teams pushed for a winner but it was not to come as the match ended 2-2 in regulation time and post match penalties were required to settle it. Zambia went on to win 3-1 with Jessy Zulu, Bwalya Namute Chileshe and Blessings Zangose Zulu all converting their spot kicks while Theresa Musatila had her penalty saved.
For Malawi only Rose Kadzere converted with Faith Chinzimu ,and Leticia Chinyamula hit the crossbar while Margaret Phiri saved Sarah Mulimbika’s spot kick. The Copper Princesses will meet either South Africa or Botswana in the final on Sunday 11 December at 14h30.
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