COSAFA Cup: Late penalty concession dooms Botswana in draw with Zambia

Photo: COSAFA Media

Botswana were minutes away from securing a place in the semifinals at the 2025 COSAFA Cup but the Zebras conceded a late penalty kick on Wednesday to crash out with a 3-3 draw against already eliminated Zambia. The result means that Comoros wins Group D and advance to the semifinals.

It was a thrilling match to conclude the group. Botswana got off to a dream start, opening the scoring inside only two minutes through experienced attacking midfielder Thatayaone Kgamanyane befor Serati Semadi converted from the penalty spot to double the Zebras' advantage by the 32nd minute.

However, Chipolopolo fought back despite having little to play for. Charles Zulu pulled a goal back from the penalty spot just before halftime and Tinklar Sakala completed the comeback early in the second half.

Thabo Maponda put Botswana back ahead with his 60th minute finish from a Mothusi Johnson corner kick but a handball late on allowed Zambia to level through Joseph Phiri's penalty.

Comoros, not in action on Wednesday, were the beneficiaries as Phiri's late goal means they will advance as Group D winners rather than Botswana. Comoros will now face hosts South Africa in Friday's later semifinal after Angola clash with Madagascar.

Final Group D Table

	Points	GD
Comoros	4	+1
Botswana	2	0
Zambia	1	-1

• Comoros advances to the semifinals as Group D winners.

Semifinal Fixtures

• Angola vs Madagascar (13:00 GMT)

• South Africa vs Comoros (16:00 GMT)