 Ndlovu created the goal |
Midfielder Lazarus Muhoni struck the only goal of the match as Zimbabwe beat South Africa 1-0 to clinch a Cosafa Cup semi-final place on Saturday. Muhoni took advantage of a defensive error after 15 minutes to score with a spectacular overhead kick and give Zimbabwe victory against a makeshift Bafana Bafana side in East London.
His goal was set up by the enterprise of captain Peter Ndlovu, the English-based striker from Sheffield United.
Ndlovu's non-stop running caused plenty of anxious moments for the home defence and created several chances for the visitors.
Bafana Bafana fielded eight new caps and started brightly but missed a gilt-edged chance inside the first two minutes when Abram Raselemane shot wide from close range.
But Ndlovu's enterprise then turned the game Zimbabwe's way as they took control of proceedings.
The South Africans almost scored just before halftime when Dazzy Kapenya produced a header to clear off the line.
Ndlovu also had a chance near the end to extend Zimbabwe's lead but blasted over the top from inside the penalty area.
It was the third time in four years that Zimbabwe have won in South Africa.
Zimbabwe now join Malawi and Swaziland in the semi-finals of the annual southern African championship.
The last of the quarter-finals will be played in Lusaka next Sunday, when Zambia host Mozambique.
MMIX
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