Hosts South Africa were defeated 2-1 by Zambia while Angola beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-finals that were played at the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium on Wednesday.

The South African winger Emile Witbooi, who kept the supporters on the edge of their seats due to his effective trickery in the final third, provided an assist in the first minute to Siphiwe Mlondo to score from inside the penalty area.

Zambia’s right-sided forward Mapalo Simute delivered crosses but his teammates making runs into the penalty area did not get to the end of those deliveries. Offensively, Zambia mostly played direct football.

South Africa were great in combination play. They troubled Zambia with quick short passes but could not score more goals in the first half despite dominating in the final third.Zambia were awarded a penalty that Abel Nyirongo scored in the 22nd minute to equalise after a VAR check.

After a lengthy VAR check, Zambia attacking midfielder Vincent Mutondo was red-carded in the 24th minute having recklessly tackled Mlondo.

However, in the first half during the additional time, South African goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe blocked the ball with his hands outside the penalty area and after a VAR check, he was also sent off.

Zambia scored their second in the 68th minute after the ball went through goalkeeper Lehlohonolo Mosia’s legs at the near post and substitute Robert Banda pounced on the loose ball to net from inside the goal area.