By Tapiwa Chawagarira
ZAMBIA booked their place in the final of the 2026 International Handball Federation (IHF) Women’s Nations Trophy Africa Zone VI tournament after beating Zimbabwe 36-24 in a commanding semi-final encounter in Lusaka.
The hosts delivered a strong performance to overcome their neighbours and secure a place in the tournament final, while Zimbabwe’s campaign ended at the semi-final stage.
Zimbabwe reached the last four after finishing second in Group B. Earlier, they bounced back from a 37-27 defeat to Mozambique with a convincing 32-24 victory over Malawi, a result that secured their progression to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Zambia topped Group A to reach the semi-finals, setting up the eagerly anticipated regional clash with Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe coach Tawanda Mapira acknowledged before the match that Zambia posed a major threat, particularly with their fast style of play. The Zimbabwean technical team worked on positional changes and planned to use their quicker players on the wings to counter the hosts.
However, Zambia ultimately proved too strong, winning 36-24 and advancing to the final. Zambian goalkeeper Juliet Kaira was named Player of the Match for her contribution to the hosts’ victory.
The result leaves Zimbabwe to reflect on a promising campaign in their first senior women’s IHF Nations Trophy Zone VI tournament, while Zambia now turn their attention to the final as they bid to claim the regional title.
