Zambia overcame a goal deficit to upset the tournament’s hosts South Africa 2-1 in the Cosafa Cup semifinal held at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Friday night.

Tshegofatso Mabasa’s initial goal for Bafana Bafana put Chipolopolo behind at the break, but goals from Golden Mashata and Albert Kangwanda in the second half gave the reigning champions, who are vying for a record-tying eighth regional championship, the victory.

In the 11th minute, Albert Kangwanda of Zambia fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty box, but Olwethu Mzimela of South Africa made a fantastic stop. This was the first significant danger on goal for Zambia.

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The host nation answered with some promising attempts of their own, forcing Zambia goalkeeper, Francis Mwansa to make a fingertip save in the 20th minute, while Lesedi Kapinga missed the target with a close-range effort just after the midway point of the first half.

Iqraam Rayners’ strong effort from the left was only palmed into the danger zone by Mwansa in the 44th minute, allowing Tshegofatso Mabasa to seize possession of the loose ball and give his team a 1-0 advantage.

At the half, South Africa had the upper hand. After the break, Mabasa nearly extended their lead with another opportunity, but in the 50th, Chipolopolo equalised the score.

Golden Mashata scored a left-footed shot to tie the score after a long throw-in was allowed to ricochet around South Africa’s penalty area.

And in the 69th minute, Kangwanda scored an outstanding goal for Zambia to take the lead for the first time.

He curled in a gorgeous strike directly from a free kick, leaving Mzimela with no chance at all.

After falling down, South Africa reacted impressively, forcing Mwansa into two quick saves with shots from Rayners and substitute Rowan Human in the 74th and 80th minutes, respectively. Kangwanda also pricked Mzimela’s hands with a shot in the 74th minute.

Those turned out to be the final significant opportunities on either end, and Chipolopolo was able to hold out and score a victory that put an end to the host country’s aspirations for triumph.

On Sunday afternoon, South Africa will take on Malawi in the third-place playoff, with Zambia and Lesotho’s championship match following in the evening. The King Zwelithini Stadium will serve as the venue for both contests.