Zambia coach Chisi Mbewe says he is disappointed with his side’s performances at the 2024 HollywoodBets COSAFA Cup after a 2-0 loss to Zimbabwe to confirm their exit from the tournament.
The defending champions blew away their chances of retaining the title as first-half goals from Michael Tapera and Takunda Benhura steered the Warriors to victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium where Kabwe Warriors defender Killian Kanguluma got sent off before the break.
Speaking after Sunday’s shambolic performance, Mbewe said the Chipolopolo did not forecast Zimbabwe to inflict them with the painful loss that confirmed their elimination.
“It is a very disappointing result, we never anticipated to drop points again knowing that we are the defending champions” Mbewe told a post-match press conference.
“It is a disappointing result, this is a result that every coach wouldn’t love to produce otherwise football sometimes the way you plan is not the way the result will come out.”
Having lost both of their first two fixtures in Group B, Mbewe says his side will look to beat a stubborn Comoros side in their final match as a consolation after an underwhelming performance at the tournament.
“We have lost the two games and in the last game we just need to ensure that we win last game but I think it is not going to be easy.
“We need to work extra hard, put in all the effort and ensure that we walk out of this tournament with a win” he said.
The seven-time COSAFA champions conclude their disastrous group stage campaign on Wednesday afternoon as they face the Coelacanths of Comoros in Port Elizabeth.
