Comoros Defeats Zambia 1-0 in COSAFA Cup Thriller

Comoros Defeats Zambia 1-0 in COSAFA Cup Thriller

In a tightly contested match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Comoros emerged victorious over Zambia with a 1-0 win in the 2024 COSAFA Cup. The match, which started with a moment of silence for the late Chipolopolo striker Justin Shonga, saw both teams struggling to find the back of the net until the second half.

Match Highlights

First Half:

• 1’: The game kicked off with a poignant tribute to Justin Shonga.
• 13’: Zambia’s goalkeeper Chabu made a crucial save from a powerful left volley by Comoros.
• 23’: Mathew Banda received the first yellow card of the match for Zambia.
• 29’: Owen Mwamba was booked for a foul outside the box, leading to a double save by Chabu from the resultant free kick.
• 43’: Play was halted as medics attended to Dickson Chapa, allowing players to take in fluids.
• 45’: Three minutes of added time were announced, and the first half ended scoreless.

Second Half:

• 46’: The second half began with no changes for Zambia.
• 57’: Still scoreless twelve minutes into the second half.
• 61’: Comoros broke the deadlock, finding the back of the net to lead 1-0.
• 64’: Zambia made two substitutions, bringing in Albert Kangwanda and Saddam Yusuf Phiri for Andrew Phiri and Austin Muwowo.
• 71’: Owen Tembo received a yellow card, adding to Zambia’s disciplinary woes.
• 81’: Abraham Siankombo replaced Zachariah Chilongoshi for Zambia.
• 86’: Another substitution for the defending champions saw David Simukonda come in for Fredrick Mulambia.
• 90’: Four minutes of added time were announced, but Zambia couldn’t find an equalizer.

Despite several attempts and substitutions by the Zambian side, Comoros held on to their lead, handing Zambia another defeat in the tournament. The result leaves Zambia needing to regroup and rethink their strategy as they move forward in the competition.