COSAFA Women’s Championship: Zambia were wasteful in Zimbabwe draw – Haalubono

Zambia remained top of Group B after a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe at the COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025 played at Seshego Stadium on Sunday.

The result left both sides tied on four points after two matches; but the Copper Queens stay ahead on goal difference. It was a tightly contested match throughout the entire 90 minutes.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

🇿🇲 Zambia 0-0 Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 #CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/EhPbOvS83t

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 22, 2026

The first half produced a few promising moments. Just after the half-hour mark, Nobukhosi Ncube delivered a dangerous corner into the area, forcing goalkeeper Hazel Nali to react quickly and push the ball away from danger.

Zambia had spells of controlled possession but the final ball often lacked precision. In the closing stages of the match, Zambia increased the pressure in search of a late winner with Eneless Phiri sending an effort off target, while captain Kabange Mupopo tried her luck from range but her shot went slightly over the bar.

Zimbabwe started the second half with pressure and nearly broke the deadlock within five minutes of the restart when Rutendo Makore found space inside the box, but Nali produced a save to keep the scores level.

Agness Phiri came closest for Zambia after being set up by Mupopo, but her effort struck the crossbar and denied the Copper Queens what would have been a crucial goal.

Zambia missed great chances

Speaking after the match, Zambia assistant coach Charles Haalubono admitted that his side did not make the most of the chances they created.

“We missed clear chances. I think we had two one on one chances with the goalkeeper; which we wasted. So, we should look at that and try to work on finishing,” Haalubono told the media.

Haalubono commended Zimbabwe for their tactical approach, saying they managed to disrupt Zambia’s usual flow and denied them space in key areas. He further acknowledged the performance of the Zimbabwe goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga whose display earned her the Player of the Match award.

“Very good game, Zimbabwe was tactically good. They planned very well for us.They denied us possession. We resorted to playing out of the back,” he said.

“We will try by all means to work on our finishing; you saw the chances we had face to face with the Zimbabwe goalkeeper; she did very well. I’m sure that is why she even won the player of the match award.”

Zimbabwe showed a lot of improvement

Haalubono noted Zimbabwe showed improvement since the three-nations tournament in Malawi last year, where Zambia won 3-1, explaining that the opposition appeared better prepared this time.

“A lot of things have changed; the coach for Zimbabwe is very good. She analyzed us; they made recommendations on how they will play against us and it has really worked because in Malawi they used a middle block which gave us enough time to move the ball and create a lot chances,” he concluded.

He added the technical bench will focus on sharpening the team’s finishing ahead of Tuesday’s final group match against Eswatini.

Zambia will face Eswatini on Tuesday, February 24.