Zambia national team the Chipolopolo started their opening match at the Four Nations Invitational tournament on a losing note with a 6-5 defeat by Zimbabwe on post-match penalties after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time on Saturday.

Captain Stoppilla Sunzu had set Zambia on a dream start with well headed effort in the first minute before Clatous Chama doubled the lead with cheeky lob outside the box to send the Chipolopolo fans in a frenzy.

A cluster of traveling fans led by Zambia Sports Fans Association president pastor Peter Makembo stole the show with their solidarity songs. However, Zimbabwe replied in emphatic fashion with Bonne Miles coming through for the Warriors after capitalizing on some laxity in the Zambian defence.

As Zambia was looking like heading to the break with a 2-1 lead, Walter Musona tapped from close range after a harmless looking low ball was whipped in the Zambian box. The second half provided a see-saw affair with Zambia finishing strong but with no goals coming the game had to be settled via a penalty shoot-out.

Zambia started the ball rolling through Patson Daka who made no mistake while Emmanuel Banda, Toaster Nsabata and Sunzu had their penalties saved.

Gift Mphande, Clatous Chama, Golden Mashata and Benedict Chepeshi tucked away their efforts. The Warriors scored their efforts through John Takwara, Tino Kadewere, Marshal Munetsi, Andrew Farai, Bernard Donovan and Daniel Msendami. The villains were Musona and Divine Lunga who had their efforts saved.

Zimbabwe will await the winner of the match between Kenya and Malawi for the final tussle while the loser will contest the third and fourth place play off on Tuesday.