Zambia Bounces Back in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship

Zambia got back to winning ways by securing a 3-1 victory against Angola in Group B of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Florence Natya’s decision to make five changes to the starting XI against Angola proved to be justified. Three of the players she introduced played pivotal roles in Zambia’s 3-1.

Coming into the match as defending champions, Zambia needed a win to keep their title defence on track, following a goalless draw against Mozambique in their first match. Sarah Jere opened the scoring within the first three minutes, while Eneless Phiri provided the assist for the second goal, a stunning strike by Jackline Nkole from outside the box in the 20th minute.

Angola had a chance to pull one back nine minutes later through Elsa Cape from a free-kick, but she was denied by the woodwork. Zambia had an opportunity to extend their lead eight minutes before half-time through Natasha Nanyangwe, but a collision with Angolan goalkeeper Rita Jose resulted in Nanyangwe being substituted for Maylan Mulenga.

In the second half, Zambia continued to press, winning a set-piece early on, with Agnes Phiri taking the free-kick but hitting the crossbar. Evarine Katongo, named Player of the Match, had a chance to increase the lead but narrowly missed the target. With fifteen minutes remaining, Zambia had another free-kick, and Susan Banda’s effort was met with a courageous save by Jose, who put her body on the line and hit the post.

Despite Jose’s heroics, Zambia maintained the pressure, and Jere completed her brace five minutes before the final whistle, sealing their dominant performance and securing a vital victory for the team.

Zambia currently shares the top spot with Mozambique, both teams having accumulated four points each. Mozambique secured their victory by defeating the Comoros Islands 3-1 in the day’s second match. The Comoros team struck first with a goal from Anllaouia Ali within the first five minutes, but Deolinda Gove later equalized in the first half.

Mozambique displayed strong determination to take the lead and was rewarded early in the second half when Lucia Moҫambique was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty opportunity. Gove confidently converted the penalty, completing her brace. Although she had the chance for a hat-trick, her third goal was disallowed just two minutes after the penalty.

Luis Fuma’s team wasn’t finished yet, as Emilia Cazembe unleashed a spectacular long-range strike, extending their lead to 3-1 five minutes before the final whistle. Angola currently occupies the third position with three points, while the Comoros Islands sit at the bottom of the group table with no points.

Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship Results on Sunday, 8 October 2023

Group B

Zambia 3-1 Angola 
Mozambique 3-1 Comoros 

Results and Fixtures: 2023 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship

Main Photo Caption: Zambia got back to winning ways by securing a 3-1 victory against Angola in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. Photo: COSAFA on X

Photo 2 Caption: Zambia coach Florence Natya’s decision to make five changes proved right when Sarah Jere opened the scoring within the first three minutes, Eneless Phiri provided the assist for the second goal, and a stunning strike by Jackline Nkole. Photo: COSAFA on X

Photo 3 Caption: The Comoros team struck first in the day’s second match against Mozambique, with a goal from Anllaouia Ali within the first five minutes, but Deolinda Gove later equalized in the first half. Photo: COSAFA on X

Photo 4 Caption: Mozambique took the lead early in the second half when Lucia Moҫambique was fouled in the box, and Gove confidently converted the penalty to complete her brace. Emilia Cazembe unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the final minutes for a 3-1 win and a share of the Group B Log lead with Zambia, at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday. Photo: COSAFA on X