Ghana's World Cup Opponents Zambia Win Cosafa Cup

Ghana's World Cup opponents Zambia got a massive confidence boost ahead of their clash with the Black Stars when they beat Zimbabwe 2-0 on Saturday to win the COSAFA Cup.

The hosts beat the defending champions in the final of the Southern African regional tournament at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to clinch the title.

The result is a massive boost for the Chipolopolo who face Ghana in the final Group D World Cup qualifier in September to decide on which country would reach the final phase of the qualifiers.

Alex Ngongo and Kabaso Chongo were on target for Chipolopolo to help the competition hosts defeat Zimbabwe 2-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Ngongo opened the scoring for the Zambians as early as the fourth minute, with Chongo's impressive free-kick at the death capping off a sterling performance for Herve Renard's men.

The weekend's triumph now sees the Copper Bullets go joint top with the Warriors for most tournament wins, as they lifted the trophy for the fourth time in its 14-year history, in its present format.

The match boosts the confidence of the Chipolopolo ahead of their clash with the Black Stars in September.

Meanwhile, Wayne Sandilands disintegrated Lesotho 's hopes of finishing third in the COSAFA Cup as he saved a decisive penalty which saw South Africa win 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in Ndola.

The Bafana goalkeeper prevent Maile Tlali from scoring his second penalty when he pushed out the 70th minute spot kick to prevent the game from going into extra-time, as goals from Mandla Masango and Hlompho did the business for South Africa.

South Africa narrowly missed out on a spot in the final when they lost 5-3 to hosts Zambia in the semifinal on Wednesday evening, while Lesotho were defeated 2-1 by the defending champions Zimbabwe.