GOALKEEPER Toaster Nsabata, defender Stoppila Sunzu and midfielder Emmanuel Banda missed a penalty apiece as Zambia lost 5-6 in post match spot kicks to Zimbabwe in the Four Nation’s tournament in Malawi.

Chipolopolo could have avoided the lottery of penalties all together but were left licking their wounds after giving up a two goal lead to draw 2 – 2, forcing the match to be decided on penalties.

Zambia started things as planned with defender Stoppila Sunzu, who before the game was a major doubt, scoring the opener at the Bingu National Stadium five minutes from kick off.

Ten minutes later, Zimbabwe were on the verge of an equaliser but were left cursing when Walter Mosona’s free kick from the edge of the box was directed straight at the wall.

While Zimbabwe were piling the pressure, it was Zambia who ended up getting another goal in the 24th minute when Clatous Chama connected a ball teed by Emmanuel Banda from outside the box.

Zimbabwe started their comeback in the 32nd minute through Cambridge United striker Bonny Macauley who tapped in Jwaneng Galaxy’s Denirl Msenndami’s pass to beat Lawrence Mulenga in the Zambia goal.

The Warriors were level at the stroke of halftime when Musona benefited from some poor defending by Zambia.

Both teams looked for a winner but there was nothing to separate them in regulation time, forcing the match to go into penalties. Nsabata was brought in for Mulenga as he is deemed a better penalty saver.

He did his bit, denying Zimbabwe on two occasion but his miss, and those of Sunzu and Banda gave the match to Zimbabwe.

By press time, Malawi were trailing 2 – 0 to Kenya.