Zambia will be eyeing a record-equalling sixth COSAFA Cup title when they face Namibia in the 2022 final set for the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is 19h00.
Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic, however, faces a major headache when he leads his charges against the Brave Warriors.
Asanovic, who only joined the team four days after their arrival in the country due to visa challenges, will have to look into his defence and goalkeeping department.
The Croatian has had little time with the team after being left behind in Lusaka owing to the visa issue on Sunday last week. He arrived just in time for the semi-final against guest nation Senegal, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition. He witnessed as his side almost let slip a 4-1 lead they held at the hour mark, winning the match narrowly 4-3.
As a result of the visa issue, he missed the quarterfinal clash against Botswana on July 12. His charges won that match after a post-match penalty shootout, having played a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
They got a bye together with Senegal and hosts South Africa, starting the competition in the quarterfinal stage.
The 56-year-old has challenged his charges to step up when they take on the Brave Warriors. Former Baroka goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe’s three howlers allowed the West Africans to claw back into the game.
“I am happy with some aspects of the game and not happy with some other aspects of the game,” Asanovic admitted after the game.
“We will see in the final, and we will do everything possible to win the COSAFA. I will look at Namibia’s games. It will not be easy, and we also have to consider whether we have injuries and we will hear from our medical staff.
“But don’t worry, we are preparing for a good game.”
If Zambia win Sunday’s clash, they will be level with neighbours Zimbabwe, who are absent from the current tournament due to a FIFA suspension. The Warriors are record holders with six.
They face a Brave Warriors side that edged Mozambique 1-0 in the other semi-final match.
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