Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda insists Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Zimbabwe in the 2017 Cosafa Cup final was not a setback.

Zimbabwe made easy work of Zambia in the second half after a nervy first 45 minutes that saw the two sides go 1-1 into the break at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.

Zambia then failed to contain Zimbabwe led by Knox Mutizwa in the second half who had a hand in two of Zimbabwe’s three goals.

“Our mission here was a successful team. We came to South Africa with a team of young players that did not include the Zanaco and Zesco players,” Nyirenda said.

“The way they have done here is a big plus for now nation as we continue our rebuilding that we started from last year.”

Zimbabwe took the lead in the 22nd minute when Mutizwa punished goalkeeper Allan Chibwe for his poor judgement on a high ball.

But Zambia equalized in the 39th minute through Lubinda Mundia just a minute after replacing the injured Mike Katiba.

It was uphill after the break for Zambia when Talent Chawapiwa fired in the rebound in the 55th minute after Mutizwa hit the post before Ocean Mushure put the result beyond doubt in the 67th minute