Courtesy: Times of Zambia


Zambia’s futsal hopes dashed

Zambia 4-4 Mozambique (4-5 on penalties)

ZAMBIA’S hopes of making a maiden appearance at the Thailand 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup Championship were dashed by Mozambique who clinched a memorable win after trailing 3-1 from the first leg to seal a place in the final round of qualifiers.

The Charles Haalubono-coached Zambia side, who went into this game with a comfortable 3-1 lead from the second round, first leg played in Maputo made a false start through Kenneth Chulu, whose goal seemed to be heading the hosts nearer to qualification just for Mozambique to spoil the party.

At a fairly attended match played at the Olympic Youth Development Centre on Sunday night, Mozambique put up a spirited fight to win the match 3-1 and take the game to a penalty shootout following a stalemate on aggregate.

The visitors came back forcefully wrestling the game through Dos Marcio, Oscar and Ricardo to take the match to the penalties which saw them converting all their spot kicks as Zambia’s Stephen Simuchimba missed the crucial penalty to end the hosts’ dream of a World Cup appearance.

Chulu, Obbey Mwiinga, Daniel Chakupalesa and Pearson Lungu managed to convert their spots but it will be Mozambique to play the winners between Morocco and Guinea Bissau for a place at the finals.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com