Mighty Warriors miss out on 3-nation title

The Mighty Warriors' hopes of clinching the Three-Nation Tournament title were dashed yesterday after a 3-1 loss to the Copper Queens of Zambia at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Zimbabwe, returning to international football after a nine-month absence, had aimed to mark their comeback with a statement victory, but Zambia were quick to impose themselves on the contest. Eneles Phiri struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 10th and 12th minutes to give the Copper Queens an early advantage.

Captain Nobukhosi Ncube offered Zimbabwe a lifeline when she pulled one back on the half-hour mark, but the resurgence was short-lived. Natasha Nanyangwe restored Zambia's two-goal lead just two minutes before halftime.

Fielding a squad largely made up of locally based players, Zimbabwe emerged from the break with renewed determination to challenge a more experienced and star-studded Zambian side. Coach Mebelo Ncube introduced Privilege Mupeti and Bridget Mutaurwa for Daisy Kaitano and Alice Moyo in an attempt to shift the momentum, but the tactical adjustments failed to alter the course of the match.

The Copper Queens maintained control throughout the second half, and despite three minutes of added time, the Mighty Warriors could not find a way back.

Zimbabwe needed only a draw to secure the mini-tournament title, but the defeat saw them finish second on three points, ahead of hosts Malawi, who ended with a single point.