SOUTH Africa were defeated 2-0 by Zambia in the Cosafa Cup under-20 final at Vosloorus Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
The Zambians have now successfully defended the title a fourth time, but the South Africans could have done better, had they taken their chances.
The first half saw well-balanced play from both sides, and the keepers, South Africa’s Lucky Phillips and Zambia’s Stephen Kabwe, kept the strikers at bay.
Two minutes into the second half Zambia took a 1-0 lead when Gift Kambamba nodded in a header.
The locals tried to counter immediately, but their efforts were in vain as the Zambian defence stood strong.
In the 80th minute, the Zambian sealed the victory when striker Njofwa Chaswe blasted past Phillips from an excellent pass by Emmanuel Zulu.
Earlier, Zimbabwe were much too strong for a game Lesotho running out convincing 3-1 winners in the third place play-off.