The defending champions of COSAFA cup revived their defence title with a hard fought 1-0 win over Lesotho on Sunday the 16th of July 2023 at king Zwelithini stadium, Umlaz Durban in South Africa.The only goal of the match was scored by Moyela Libamba at 78th minute of the game who was also crowned Man of the match.
The Chipolopolo were crowned champions in 1997,1998,2006,2013,2019and 2022. Winning it again this year is an amazing opportunity for players to get exposed.Speaking to the media after the match, Football Association of Zambia’s president,Mr Andrew kamanga encouraged the players to aim high and work hard in their next assignments.”you have the opportunity and with it you can always play in the CHAN, Africa cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers,all you need is to knock on the coaches door” he added.
As it stands Zambia has broken the record of the most COSAFA cup titles from Zimbabwe who have won it 6 times while South Africa won it 5 times.
Before the final match,Malawi and South Africa competed for a third-place play off and the game ended in penalties 5-3 with the host, South Africa taking the lead.
2023 COSAFA CUP MONEY PRIZES AND AWARDS
COSAFA cup champions Zambia have walked away with the cup as well as money prize of R500,000.Lesotho the Runners -up pocketed an amount of R250, 000 while South Africa on the 3rd place and Malawi on 4th took away R150, 000 and R100, 000 respectively.
Chawanangwa Kaonga from Malawi won the Player of the Tournament award after his impressive performances for Malawi and earned R20, 000 while Goalkeeper of the Tournament award went to Sekhoane Moerane from Lesotho who claimed R20, 000 as well.
Top scorers were Tshegofatso Mabasa from South Africa and Albert Kangwanda of Zambia Both who scored 3 goals each.
