On Sunday, Zambia and Lesotho will compete in the 2023 Cosafa Cup Final Match at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Lesotho defeated Malawi 3-0 on penalties following a 1-1 tie in regulation time. Lesotho won Group C after winning two games and losing one, finishing ahead of second-placed Angola.
Veselin Jelusic’s team, on the other hand, will be seeking to capture their first Cosafa trophy as they make their second appearance in the competition’s final after losing to Zimbabwe in 2003.
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In the second Semifinal, defending champions Zambia rallied from behind to defeat tournament hosts South Africa.
Zambia finished second in Group B with two wins and one loss, advancing to the next round as the best runners-up.
The Chipolopolo will be vying for their seventh Cosafa crown, and as one of the most successful and experienced teams, they should have an easy time of it against Lesotho.
Head-to-Head
Lesotho: One win
Zambia: Four wins
Lesotho’s current form (Last four games at Cosafa)
Win-Win-Lose-Win
Zambia’s current form (Last four games at Cosafa)
Lose-Win-Win-Win
Players to Watch
Albert Kangwanda (Zambia): He is the man to watch in the Zambian squad. The Red Arrows striker has been crucial for the reigning champions, scoring three goals in the last three games, and will be expected to play a key role in Sunday’s final encounter.
Jane Thabantso (Lesotho): He will be key in helping his side win their first Cosafa Cup title. The 29-year-old striker has so far scored 11 goals for his country and will be expected to lead the frontline.