COSAFA: Zambia knocks out Uganda

Port Elizabeth, South Africa | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Crested Cranes are out of the COSAFA Women’s Championship in the Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Coach George William Lutalo’s team exited after falling 1-0 to the  Copper Queens of Zambia in a Group C match played this afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Uganda Crested Cranes needed to win to stand a chance of making it to the semi final stage.

Zambia’s skipper Grace Chanda capitalized on poor defending before she fired a low shot past Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ruth Aturo after 38 minutes.

Uganda Crested Cranes tried to push forward in the second half, but failed to break through the Zambian defending line manned by Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Belemu and Agness Musase. Later Hasifah Nassuna had a chance to score, but shot wide after 84 minutes.

Uganda Crested Cranes started the tournament with a goalless draw against Namibia, before stopping Eswatini 5-1.

The second Group C match saw Namibia beat Eswatini 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela University Stadium.

Zambia who topped Group C now join Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi (second best placed side) in the semi finals to be played on October 7th.

The tournament which started on September 28th attracted 12 teams including guest sides; Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan.

Group C

P      W      D      L      GF    GA   GD   PTS

Zambia      3       3       0       0       9       0       9       9

Uganda     3       1       1       1       5       2       3      4

Namibia    3       1       1       1       1       3       -2      4

Eswatini    3       0       0       3       1       11    -10      0

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URN