Zimbabwe failed to reach the Four-Nation Tournament final after they lost 5-4 on penalty shootouts against Zambia on Wednesday evening.

A last minute goal from Lazarus Kambole spoiled everything for the Warriors who grabbed their first lead a minute into the second half.

The home team could have gone ahead early in the game, but a well-disciplined defence and some heroic saves from goalkeeper George Chigova kept the home team at bay, going to the break with no goals scored.

Isaac Shamujompa opened the scoring with an own goal in the 46th minute to give Zimbabwe a lead. Evans Rusike could have doubled the advantage on the hour mark, but he failed to found the back of the net from a close range.

However, Justin Shonga levelled terms a minute later with a well executed half volley.

But the parity didn’t last long as Talent Chawapiwa restored the lead when he smashed home a long-range strike seven minutes later which left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Chipolopolo started to pile pressure in search of an equaliser, forcing Chigova to make a double stop a few minutes before the final whistle.

A freekick blocked in the stoppage time saw Kambole mopping home a rebound to send the game into penalties.

Zambia converted five kicks while Zimbabwe only managed four. The host country will now face South Africa in the final and Warriors will play against Angola in 3rd/4th playoffs.

The games will be played on Saturday, March 24th.