Zambia oust Namibia

Zambia advanced to the next phase of Africa Cup of Nations qualification following a 2-2- draw against Namibia’s Brave Gladiators at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Friday. The Shepolopolo advanced 5-3 on aggregate.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg in Lusaka over two weeks ago, the visitors extended their advantage early in the first half when Martha Tembo capitalised on static defending in the Namibian penalty area to volley in the opening goal.

Zambia silenced the expectant home crowd when Grace Chanda slammed home a second goal two minutes after halftime as the Brave Galdiators defence again failed to clear their lines.

However, the home side pulled one back two minutes later through star player Zenatha Coleman who ran onto a through ball and finished with a low drive past the onrushing Hazel Nali in goal for the visitors.

Coleman completed her brace from the penalty spot after Babra Banda was adjudged to have handled inside the area.

Defender Lorraine Jossob came close to earning the homeside a victory on the day but she drove her shot straight into the grateful hands of Nali in additional time.

Brave Gladiators head coach Jacqui Shipanga lamented the defensive errors which led to both of Zambia’s goals but was pleased with her charges effort.

”I think the girls gave a very good account of themselves. It was very disappointing that we conceded as early as the fifth minute. It’s unfortunate,” Shipanga said.