Zimbabwe lost 1-0 to Botswana in the President Cup final played at National Sports Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The match was part of the nationwide celebrations of the country’s Independence Day.

A first-half goal from Kebaikanye Kobamelo handed the visiting team a victory which saw them crowned the Cup winners.

The Zebras set the pace in the opening five minutes, making two attacks. Zimbabwe only came alive in the 7th minute but the assault was intercepted before it reaches the goal.

Bernard Donovan was called to action in the 19th minute following a defensive blunder by Peter Muduhwa. However, he conceded two minutes later when Kobamelo struck home.

The goal seemed to have disrupted Warriors’ game plan as the visiting team launched several attacks.

Another error at the back just after the half-hour mark saw Bernard denying the visiting team a second goal.

The Sunday Chidzambwa’s charges shown some improvement in the second half, but again they survived a scare eight minutes from the restart.

With Leeroy Mavhunga now being the target man in Zim’s attacks, the teen caused all sorts of problems on the left wing in the last twenty minutes of the encounter. Liberty Chakaroma and Farai Madhanhanga created good chances but failed to convert any.

A counter which could have resulted in a goal was launched by Botswana in the 83rd minute but Bernard, for the umpteenth time, was at his best to make a brilliant stop.

The game ended in favour of the visiting side who lifted the 2018 President’s Cup.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo Highlanders lost 4-3 on penalties to Bulawayo City after the match ended 0-0.