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Mighty Warriors fall to Zambia in 4 Nations Cup final
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Zimbabwe's Mighty Warriors were forced to settle for second place in the Four Nations Cup after suffering a 3-0 defeat to hosts Zambia in the final played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The defeat ended Zimbabwe's hopes of lifting the regional tournament trophy and denied them an opportunity to avenge an earlier loss to the Copper Queens, who also defeated them when the two sides met in March.
The Mighty Warriors produced a disciplined first-half performance and matched Zambia for long periods of the contest. However, the hosts broke the deadlock just before the interval when Racheal Kundananji scored in the 45th minute to hand Zambia a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Zimbabwe returned for the second half looking for an equaliser and came close in the 52nd minute when Ethel Chinyerere found space in the attacking third, but her effort drifted wide of the target.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Zambia tightened their grip on the match shortly afterwards.
Prisca Chilufya doubled the hosts' advantage in the 62nd minute before adding a third goal four minutes later to complete her brace and effectively put the contest beyond Zimbabwe's reach.
The victory secured the Four Nations Cup title for Zambia, while the Mighty Warriors finished the tournament as runners-up after a commendable campaign.
For Zambia, the tournament formed part of preparations for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be held in Morocco.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, the competition provided valuable experience for Zimbabwe and an important assessment opportunity for coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda as she continues building her squad.
The tournament also served as a key preparatory platform for the Mighty Warriors ahead of their forthcoming Olympic Games qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin later this year.
While the result highlighted areas requiring improvement, Zimbabwe's run to the final offered encouraging signs as the team continues its rebuilding process and prepares for future international assignments.
The defeat ended Zimbabwe's hopes of lifting the regional tournament trophy and denied them an opportunity to avenge an earlier loss to the Copper Queens, who also defeated them when the two sides met in March.
The Mighty Warriors produced a disciplined first-half performance and matched Zambia for long periods of the contest. However, the hosts broke the deadlock just before the interval when Racheal Kundananji scored in the 45th minute to hand Zambia a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
Zimbabwe returned for the second half looking for an equaliser and came close in the 52nd minute when Ethel Chinyerere found space in the attacking third, but her effort drifted wide of the target.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Zambia tightened their grip on the match shortly afterwards.
Prisca Chilufya doubled the hosts' advantage in the 62nd minute before adding a third goal four minutes later to complete her brace and effectively put the contest beyond Zimbabwe's reach.
The victory secured the Four Nations Cup title for Zambia, while the Mighty Warriors finished the tournament as runners-up after a commendable campaign.
For Zambia, the tournament formed part of preparations for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals, which will be held in Morocco.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, the competition provided valuable experience for Zimbabwe and an important assessment opportunity for coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda as she continues building her squad.
The tournament also served as a key preparatory platform for the Mighty Warriors ahead of their forthcoming Olympic Games qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin later this year.
While the result highlighted areas requiring improvement, Zimbabwe's run to the final offered encouraging signs as the team continues its rebuilding process and prepares for future international assignments.
Source - online
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