Bafana Bafana have been knocked out of the 2023 Cosafa Cup after a 2-1 defeat to the defending champions, Zambia in the semi-finals at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday evening.

The host nation locked horns with their Zambian counterparts hoping to go through to the finals. However, Chipolopolo were strong enough to overcome South Africa on their road to possibly defending their title.

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Early in the game, a couple of impressive efforts from Bafana’s tricky Iqraam Rayners drew outstanding saves from goalkeeper Francis Mwansa, who kept his side in the game. But Bafana took the lead a minute before half-time as Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scored his third goal in the competition.

It was a pulsating second half of the match between the two sides, but it was Chipolopolo who did not waste time as they equalized five minutes into the second half through Golden Mashata.

BAFANA KNOCKED OUT

Bafana tried to show their power to get a second goal, but there was no luck. And to their surprise, Zambia attacked them until they found the second goal through Albert Kangwanda.

South Africa tried to restore parity in the remaining minutes but Zambian defense remained resolute. That meant Zambia managed to come from behind to claim the victory by 2-1.

Ramoreboli’s troops will now take on Malawi in the third-place play-off at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday at 15h00, while Chipolopolo advanced to the finals against Lesotho at the same venue at 18h00.

By Clifton Mabasa