The Battle of the Zambezi: Zambia vs. Zimbabwe in COSAFA 2024
Chipolopolo coach Chisi Mbewe is leaving nothing to chance ahead of his team’s crucial Group B match against the Warriors at the ongoing COSAFA Senior Challenge in South Africa.
Coach Chisi Mbewe said “The Zimbabwe game holds the key to advancing to the next stage of the championship. We have reminded the players that this game is very important. Let’s do it for our beloved fans back home. We don’t have any excuses in this game, and we will work extra hard to ensure victory.”
Midfielder Dickson Chapa is Set to captain the side after first captain Kevin Kapumbu was sent off in the first game, Chapa emphasized that the team has worked on the mistakes made in their initial match against Kenya.
Zambia faces a must-win encounter this afternoon, following their failure to beat Kenya in the first Group B opener match. A loss today would end their campaign prematurely. With seven COSAFA Cup titles, Zambia is the most successful team in the competition’s history. However, Zimbabwe, with six titles, is eager to catch up, especially after beating Comoros 1-0 in their first match.
Zimbabwe are six-time champions in the COSAFA Cup, with their last triumph in 2018 under coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who led them to a 4-2 victory over Zambia. They also beat Zambia 3-1 in the 2017 final but lost to Zambia in the 2019 semifinals. Zimbabwe’s previous victories include beating Zambia in the 2009 final and again in the 2005 final in Mmabatho.
Today’s match is essentially a final before the final. The intense rivalry between Zambia and Zimbabwe has seen many memorable clashes, with each team aiming to outdo the other. Zambia needs to make amends from their last game, and Coach Mbewe is expected to make strategic changes, although sources indicate that the lineup will remain largely unchanged except for the inclusion of Dickson Chapa as captain.
Key Facts and Numbers
Zambia’s COSAFA Cup Titles: 7
Zimbabwe’s COSAFA Cup Titles: 6
Zambia’s Recent Performance: Failed to beat Kenya in the first match, no points yet in Group B.
Zimbabwe’s Recent Performance: Beat Comoros 1-0 in their first match, needs a draw or win to keep hopes high.
Today’s Fixtures
Comoros vs. Kenya: 12:00 CAT
Zimbabwe vs. Zambia : 15:00 CAT
As both teams gear up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on the Chipolopolo to see if they can overcome the Warriors and keep their championship hopes alive.
