They had to settle for the silver medal as Zambia”;s Chipolopolo claimed a record-equalling sixth regional title, after a 1-0 victory in a thrilling final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
Chipolopolo claimed their win in extra-time, as Albert Kangwanda”;s 35-yard shot rebounded off the post and onto Namibian goalkeeper Edward Maova, before finding its way into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
But a beaming Benjamin embraced his charges, the majority of whom have not seen competitive action in nearly two years, at the final whistle as if they had won the competition.
“I have to compliment my players. I”;m so proud, so proud of these players. I”;m having an appetite for more. I wanna work with them, we”;re growing something, there is something here,” he said in a post-match interview with SuperSport.
The Brave Warriors were denied a second regional title, but Zambia equal Zimbabwe”;s record of six after their latest win, which is also their second in three competitions, after they were victorious in 2019.
“They fought. The captain couldn”;t anymore but he was fighting, he”;s a brave warrior and I”;m proud of each and every one of them. They did good,” said Benjamin, who was appointed substantive head coach three weeks before the tournament.
“Yes, that killer instinct will come with time, with experience. They gave their all and it”;s really giving me appetite for more and the project that”;s awaiting us.”
Benjamin also reserved special praise for his side”;s solid defence, marshalled by goalkeeper of the tournament Maova, which was the best of the tournament.
“A huge compliment to the defence. They were tenacious, aggressive and confident. We conceded our only goal in the final. It took a deflection to break us down. It gives stability to the team,” Benjamin said.
West Africa guest nation Senegal claimed the bronze medal, as they beat Mozambique 4-2 on penalties after the teams played to a 1-1 draw.
South Africa won the Plate competition for the fourth time in five tournaments, as they defeated Botswana 2-1 in the final.
Zambian Kelvin Kampamba was named player of the tournament; Eswatini forward Sabelo Ndzinisa won the golden boot after he scored three goals in the competition, while Botswana walked away with the fair play award.
The individual awards are each worth N$20 000.
Zambia received N$500 000 in prize-money to go with the coveted trophy, while Namibia will go home with N$250 000.
Senegal earned N$150 000 and Mozambique pocketed N$100 000.
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