November 2, 2009
Zimbabwe saved their best for last with an excellent display of attacking football as they defeated Zambia 3-1 in the final of the 2009 COSAFA Senior Challenge at a packed Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Sunday. 
LungaLuka
After finding themselves behind when Henry Banda netted for Chipolopolo midway through the first half, the Warriors bounced back with three goals in 19 minutes as Nyasha Mushekwi (two) and Cuthbert Malajali found the back of the net.
The teams traded long-range shots early on, though neither keeper was unduly troubled, but the Zambians started the brighter with their quick counter-attacks and more direct style of football.
The first real opening fell to Zambia 20 minutes in as Allan Mukuka was brilliantly released through on goal, but his shot from an angle sailed high and wide.
And it was Chipolopolo who found the opener on 24 minutes as Henry Banda collected the ball on the edge of the area, brilliantly beat his man and lifted the ball over the on-rushing Edmore Sibanda in the home goal. It was a fantastic solo effort that sent the Zambian bench into raptures.
But their joy was short-lived as the home side were level just two minutes later with an equally well-worked goal. Mushekwi got behind the Zambian defence and took the ball past Jacob Banda, before side-footing home.
And the home side almost took the lead in comical fashion soon afterwards as a long ball from the Zimbabwe half bounced high on the artificial surface, fooling the on-rushing Banda, who could only parry the ball with Mushekwi lurking. The keeper recovered just before the striker could wrap his foot around the ball.
Mushekwi then hit his half-volley over the bar after being brilliantly set-up by Malajali, but he did have his second goal on 35 minutes as he steered his header into the bottom corner from the right-wing cross.
By now the Zimbabweans were in total control and rampant, and Mushekwi failed to connect properly with another header when he had two teammates much better placed behind him.
The inevitable third goal came in stoppage time in the first half after some excellent interplay on the edge of the Zambian area and the tournament’s leading scorer, Malajali, netted his fourth of the competition.
Mushekwi headed over early in the second half as Zimbabwe continued to look the most likely to score, but Luka Lunga did test the reflexes of Sibanda with a low drive that the keeper managed to beat to safety.
Christopher Semakweri had a brilliant run and shot that Henry Banda did well to save, following it up with another effort a while later that was more comfortable for the keeper.
But try as they might, the Zambians could not break down the home defence and victory was sweet for the Warriors, who received the trophy from the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe also claimed the Fair Play Award for the team with the best disciplinary record, while Player of the Tournament was claimed by Mozambique winger Josemar Machaisse.
Zimbabwe striker Malajali claimed the Top Goal scorer Award for his four strikes, while Goalkeeper of the Tournament was won by the brilliant Edmore Sibanda.
2009 COSAFA SENIOR CHALLENGE AWARDS
Champions: Zimbabwe
Runners-up: Zambia
Third-place: Mozambique
Fair Play Award: Zimbabwe
Player of the Tournament: Josemar Machaisse (Mozambique)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Edmore Sibanda (Zimbabwe)
Top Goal scorer Award: Cuthbert Malajali (Zimbabwe) – Four goals
1 November, Harare
Zambia (1) 1 (H Banda 24′)
Zimbabwe (3) 3 (Mushekwi 26′, 35′, Malajali 45′)
Ref.: Helder Martins (Angola)
Cautions: H Banda
Zambia: Jacob Banda, Jimmy Chisenga (Percy Kisonge 39′), Hichani Himonde, Dennis Banda, Thomas Nyirenda, Allan Mukuka, Sebastian Mwanza, Henry Banda, Stoppila Sunzu (Kebby Hachipuka 54′), Luka Lungu, Ennock Sakala (Felix Sunzu 63′). Coach: Herve Renard.
Zimbabwe: Edmore Sibanda, Daniel Vheremu, Method Mwanjali, Gilbert Mapemba, Asani Nhongo, Ashley Rambanepasi, Mthulisi Maphosa, Tafadzwa Rusike (Benjamin Marere 71′), Nyasha Mushekwi (Philip Marufu 81st), Cuthbert Malajila, Christopher Semakweri. Coach: Sunday Chidzambwe.
Cosafa.com
28 Comments on "Zim win Cosafa Cup"
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Alexander Liwana,RSA on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 3:34 PM
It seems like Zambian soccer is declining on a daily basis.The defence was nowhere to be seen and there was lack of co ordination amongst the players.The strikers wanted to go with the ball into the net and it was very difficult to penetrate the Zimbabwean defence.It just shows that is not good tactically.Patrick Phiri to me is a tactician as compared to this new coach HR and no wonder Zambia is playing like an amateur team.Bring back Patrick Phiri and let this French coach pack his bags and go to where he came from.
Kolokombwa Unveiled - Winza Sichali on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 3:42 PM
That Mushekwi guy really damaged us. Maybe we can get some consolation. Wasnt that the first team for Zim ? were there any professionals ? where doe the Mushekwi guy play ? If hes in the local league, then he’s definitely headed South.
Billy on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 4:02 PM
That Zim team that won 3-1 consisted of all local players. There were no foreign based players in the Zim squad, just like Zambia dod not have foreign based players. Batusepelefye.
Ndine on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 4:04 PM
Punch for punch. Zimbabwe was the better side on the day and most probably having had more games than Zambia at the tournament helped them a lot. Zimbabwe came through the ranks to reach the finals while Zambia joined at quarter final stage. Next time around let all Teams start at the same level. The crowd was superb. The brought life into the stadium. We can learn a lot from the Zimbabwean fans. If the final was held at Imboela, Woodlands or Nkoloma most likely there would have only been at most 3000 fans. At the end of it all, it was a nice match and good marketing tournament for Zim.
Billy on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 4:05 PM
Football standards in Zambia have actually has declined, the earlier we notice that, the better. November 14, in Kigali will most likely confirm that.
chief on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 4:11 PM
Herve Renard has failed us let him GO!!!!!!!!!
smog on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 5:14 PM
Good Contribution Ba JOJO.I think ba Wedson Nyirenda should also be considrerd on the technical bench.
Anonymous on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 5:29 PM
Today my worst night mare has been confirmed, our team is very useless, they will never go anywhere, we should be ranked with the likes of malawi, swaziland and lesotho, thats our standard.
Uncle Bobs on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 6:33 PM
Jojo very innovative cut and i enjoy such! Let’s go back to skilful players-Mudenda (not Ba Enoch “Londole” Sakala uyu mbuya kwati chinyau cha vimbuza. But my other mbuya Luka Lungu is of sublime stuff.
Reube Ngoma on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 7:16 PM
Let’s call a spade a spade.Renard must go.He is just getting our hard earned cash for nothing.Coaching is a perfomance based job.He has completely failed to fit in Zambian soccer.Patrick Phiri was much better by winning COSAFA and CECAFA.What is this about us zambians and anything foreign..We seem to like any foreign thing whether GOng’a.If Renard’s perfomance was by a zambian coach and black for that matter,he should have been given marching orders by now.What is he still doing and where is he taking us if not South Africa 2010.
Reube Ngoma on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 7:18 PM
We should not blame the Players, the Coach is to blame. He is the planner of the game, he is the General who directs his soldiers and orders them to do the rightful thing.Kalusha is full of pride, let him swallow his pride and fire this guy. We will be embarrased yet again in Rwanda, just wait and see, then you will believe that this guy is a fake.
Awe on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 8:32 PM
Its so funny to see that just a few weeks ago people were upset with HR because he said Enoch Sakala was not technically good enough for the national team. Then after he was called up, we are saying that umwaiche li pulanga. I think this back seat coaching from the fans has to stop, HR also has to stop listening to fans and stick with his own game plan. I think he does it out of spite.. to show people that he knows what he is talking about, but a coach should never do that. Nama fans maybe its time to stop requesting certain players mukomfwa nomba atti Clifford called up, and then nothing ..then it will be Renard must go..why was so and so playing…..STOP!!! Lets start talking positives.
KK11 on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 8:55 PM
Funny thing is everyone wants Renard to go but he wont. You know y? Because he will take us the AFCON cup! His contract is up in May, i would rather he stays on until then instead of getting a payecheck for nothing. The way i see it, he has they eye for Talent so in that way he has earned his money. I have seen us play this year and honestly its not like we are playing like garbage we just cant score. Dfensive lapses and u blame the coach? You could have the greatest tactician in the world and these guys could not score. The guys we have right now do not have that “thing” to score. Take Mbesuma from 03/04 and put him on the current Senior national team and we do not loose against Algeria and Egypt. I know where everyone is coming from, a lot of emotion and our football history has spoilt us in that we have a very rich one. But remember all countries go thru a bad patch and ours is here. So go ahead and RIP the man, call him every unsavory word in the dictionary but if i was him i would just continue with his mission, which was to qualify ZAMBIA to the AFCON cup.
Patrick Phiri has already had his chance on the stage and we know the outcome. A Herve Renard team would never loose 5-1 to Cameeroon, NEVER! but some here want to go back to that! So until we are eliminated from the AFCON cup, vent as you will, cry at ur leisure, experience buyer’s remorse but i on the other hand will kickback relax and let things unfold as they should. Oh, incase no one has noticed YES I AM BEHIND RENARD!
Nams on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 9:11 PM
@Kolokombwa Unveiled – Winza Sichali
Mushekwi I understand is the top scorer in the Zimbabwean league. Thats why we needed the Congolese striker whose citizenship can only be confirmed by parliament since he has not stayed for 10 years in Zambia. As long as there is no political will to transform his citizenship, we will be playing with second class strikers.
Awe on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 9:26 PM
@KK11
Ba KK11 I agree with you. Renard should see his contract through. Patrick Phiri probably doesn’t even want the job. I know I wouldn’t, because we are always quick to fire him with any wrong step… I don’t blame him for the 5-1 loss to Cameroon because as you said there were defensive lapses agaisnt Zim, same thing for that Cameroon game. I think Renards search for talent should become slower and more deliberate…. right now it is time to establish a consistent eleven, which he has actually done. Getting the best out of them has been the big issue. I don’t see Renard renewing hs contract in May, but I also don’t see a light at the end of this tunnel.
Richie on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 11:19 PM
Ba KK11 i love your reasoning.you have put things the way they should be & my word to distinguished blogers who have aired rather kindergarten comments is that it is not good to make coments about certain issues when you are in a state of shock.Thank God we have a coach so that our brothers who fail to see what the problem is can blame him.CHACHINE uwawa tabula akabepesho-even when our defenders were playing like little children people stik want to blame HR,shame on you.mwebantu please dont 4get that we can fire him and hire a new one but we wik still have the same players 4 now ie HH + DB and the results will be the same.Which great tactician would have managed to prevent the 2nd & 3rd goals?Mwilalandalandafye.
Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 3:38 AM
I would like to have seen the CHAN be given the task of executing the Cosafa, Cecafa, and for FAZ to arrange some friendlies for this team.. Okay we have a few players from the CHAN that went overseas….but it must be thee nucleus with some additions…In this way we have a consistent team, and this is the team that is development…that Mudenda should have been in Zimbabwe, and the many who were omitted. They gained some invaluable experience in Ivory Coast so why not build upon this.
Gametime12 on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 3:52 AM
@Awe
Actually Zambian fans have always been influencing the coaches decision for as long as I can remember. If you don’t include their favorite player then you’ll lose your job, whats also funny is how these same fans have turned their back on Enock Sakala. You can never satisfy a Zambian fan as soon as things turn sour they become too emotional and forget that We are nothing close to what We used to be, simply because We don’t have enough talented players. Just because someone plays well at his club does not mean He’ll do the same for the national team, especially when you are talking about high profile games like the one against Algeria or Egypt. HR’s team is a full strength Zambian team, I don’t think We can do better than that.
campos on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 7:49 AM
Kabisa.It is true… we will embarrase you gyz in KIGALI ….we will hammer u with 3 goals .
Never on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 7:58 AM
We just hope you won’t be saying the same about Phiri later on.
Justice Kafusha on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:10 AM
If you employe a servant on a 2 year contract and you agree his job is to clean the house. You notice he is not cleaning the house even after prominsing he will do that. Do you keep this person up to the end of his contract? or do you look for someone else who can do the job better. Of course you fire the old Servant and look for a new one. If a broom is not sweeping properly you do not just keep it but you buy a new broom (unless you do not money). I just do not see the reason and logic in keeping a failure, unless he or she is your son or daughter. We have with our local coaches won COSAFA with these local coaches being paid peanuts, and yet we bring in someone from France and pay him between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars and yet his results are pathetic and people still feel we should keep him, FOR WHAT? HR is not qualified as a coach. Why keep him when others have been shown the door in the past. Fire HR hire a local coach and pay him 20,000 dollars and you will see the results. HR is not even worth to be paid 2000 dollars and I would never employe him to coach my club if I had one
Justice Kafusha on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:11 AM
(unless you do not have money).
Justice Kafusha on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:24 AM
We need a coach that can improve our style of play. Not a leaner driver awe iyo. We need someone who can show confidence in our players not this guy who is always praising other teams (as if he is cleaning = kwati ale wamya). We need an experienced coach not a trainee
AMANDO on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 11:01 AM
It wont help us firing HR the guy has made a team he has created a lot of competition in the team look at the defence there is a lot of competition we can boost of Davies Nkause, Himonda, Nyemba, Banda and Chintu and when you look at the middelfield you have alot of players to pick from such as Chansa, Felix, Kalaba, Chivuta, Sunzu, Kasonde Kebby. Its only up front where we ar lacking competition HR needs to look for some serious strikers before we go to the Africa cup other wise if we fire the coach we will be going ten years back wards the guy has just started to know our players both home and in Europe he has started to know our language, knowing what our soccer fans want surely it will be a big mistake i have confidence Zambia will do well in Angola all we need to do is arrange high profile games for the team.
Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:32 PM
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Anonymous on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 7:33 PM
Our bad patch seems to be endless.
Gametime12 on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 8:33 PM
Well Ba Justice do you think the servant can clean the house without a broom?. or would you expect your servant to do a good job with an old broom or a new broom?the right thing to do would be to give your servant the best cleaning supplies out there. That way if He does not get the job done then you fire him.
Anonymous on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 1:14 AM
HR!!HR HR !!HR HR!!!HR…HR the redeemer!!!!!