COSAFA record seekers Zambia edge Botswana

PHOKENG, South Africa: Zambia began challenging for a record fifth COSAFA Cup southern Africa championship title by edging Botswana 2-1 Saturday in a quarter-final in South African mining town Rustenburg.

Brian Mwila scored after 10 minutes at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace for a “Chipolopolo” (Copper Bullets) team lacking the stars of leading clubs Zanaco and Zesco United.

Zanaco were involved in the CAF Champions League and Zesco in the secondary CAF Confederation Cup this weekend.

Justin Shonga doubled the lead on 70 minutes with a shot from a tight angle that took a deflection en route to the net.

Botswana, runners-up to South Africa in Namibia last year, set up a tense climax by halving the deficit 11 minutes from time through Kabelo Seakanyeng.

Lesotho pipped former champions Namibia 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the second quarter-final of a doubleheader at the 2010 World Cup venue.

Namibia goalkeeper Virgil Vries tried to distract several Lesotho penalty-takers by shouting at them, but the tactic flopped as the kickers targeted all scored.

The match was settled by the 12th spot-kick when Lesotho goalkeeper Likano Mphuthi saved from Ananias Gebhardt.

South Africa play Tanzania and Swaziland meet Zimbabwe Sunday at the same stadium in the other quarter-finals.