Malawi have claimed the Cosafa Cup 2015 Plate title after beating Zambia 1-0 in their final match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace yesterday.

The decisive moment in the match came as Zicco Mkanda took advantage of a mistake from Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene to score.

The match saw both sides finish with 10 men after Malawi skipper Lucky Malata received his second booking on 65 minutes, and soon afterwards Zambia’s Donashano Malama was also sent to the stands.

After no goals in the first half, the game was decided by an opportunistic strike from Mkanda, who profited after Mweene miss-kicked his clearance.

Malawi, who were better side throughout, were able to comfortably hold on for the win to become the second winners of the Cosafa Cup Plate competition after Mozambique won the inaugural title in Zambia two years ago.

Today sees the Cosafa Cup final played as Namibia and Mozambique go head-to-head at the Moruleng Stadium.

Neither side has lifted the regional championship in the past and will be breaking the monopoly of Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola on the title.

Over 200 Namibian fans have travelled on government-sponsored buses to be in Moruleng to cheer on the team and Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti says it is all about pride for the country.

“Going into tomorrow’s final, I’m not thinking of me at all,” he said. “I’m at service to my country and I’m so honoured that I guided the team this far.

“It will be special day for all Namibians as we will be united as a country in taking pride in our jewel, the Brave Warriors, after a long time of suffering.”

Mozambique coach Joao Chissano has also echoed just what it means for him to play in the Cosafa Cup 2015 final.

“Being in this cup final is one of the best moments in Mozambican football,” Chissano said.

“It’s the second time we are in the final [after 2008]. The last time we lost to South Africa. It is very good for the young players who I picked here, with some coming from the Under-20 and others in the Under-23s.” — supersport.com

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