Zambia . . . . . . . . . 0
Zimbabwe . . . . . (0) 1
LUSAKA, Mar. 31 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe edged Zambia to win the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium this evening, handing coach Marian Marinica his first trophy in charge.
The breakthrough came late, an own goal by Humphrey Bwembya with just two minutes left separating the sides.
Substitute Junior Zindoga proved decisive, injecting life into a flat contest. He collected a neat pass from Emmanuel Jalai, skipped past his marker and fired in a low cross that Bwembya turned into his own net, sparking celebrations among the Warriors and their supporters.
The win may ease pressure on Marinica, but Zimbabwe’s laboured display against a youthful Zambian side raised questions.
Zambia fielded a second-string team, with senior players away in South America for a friendly against Argentina. After a convincing 3-0 semi-final win over Botswana, Zimbabwe were expected to cruise. Instead, they were drawn into a scrappy, hard-fought contest.
Clear chances were few, but Macauley Bonne and Bill Antonio both failed to convert from promising positions. Bonne also had a first-half goal ruled out for offside from a Mongameli Tshuma delivery — a decision that drew protests.
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Zambia threatened sporadically on the break but rarely troubled goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.
The decisive moment arrived just as penalties loomed. Minutes earlier, the Zambian goalkeeper had scrambled the ball off the line to avoid a similar fate, but the warning went unheeded.
Zindoga, on for the injured Junior Selemani, made the difference. Selemani’s debut ended prematurely after a knock midway through the second half.
Zambia pushed late, but Zimbabwe held firm to finally secure the trophy they missed out on two years ago after losing to Kenya.
For Marinica, it is a timely boost — though plenty of work remains.
