02 July, 2017
Zambia qualified to the Cosafa Cup semifinals for the first time since 2013 after beating Botswana in the quarterfinals on Saturday at the ongoing tournament in South Africa.
The Basotho then launched into joyous celebration after goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi saved the decisive spotkick after the shootout had gone to sudden death to ensure only their second-ever semifinal appearance in the annual southern African championship.
Lesotho advanced to the semi-finals of the competition, after defeating Namibia 5-4 on penalties after it ended goalless after 90 minutes. "We have good players, some are experienced with 50 to 70 caps but they did play like that".
Botswana had a chance reduced the deficit from the penalty spot but Thabang Sesinyi failed to convert his penalty.
Green Buffaloes midfielder Jack Chirwa will be in the engine room with Nkwazi's Justin Shonga likely to be partnered with Brian Mwila while Collins Sikombe will provide support upfront.
The Zebras pulled one back in the 79th minute through Seakanyeng but Zambia held on to book a place in the semi finals.
Bafana and the Taifa Stars meet on Sunday in Rustenburg to decided who plays Zambia.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda has assembled a competitive side that includes players from the U-20 fold that won the Africa Cup and reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup.
