Bafana Bafana dazzled in patches against Zambia last night, but in the end it was the lottery of penalties that decided their fate with a 5-3 defeat in this semifinal match.
Though Bafana were unlucky to have hit the woodwork twice, Chipolopolo were the better team overall and will now meet Zimbabwe in the Cosafa Cup final on Saturday.
Thulani Hlatshwayo, Lebogang Manyama and Mzikayise Mashaba scored their penalties, while Lerato Chabangu missed.
Zambia put away all their five penalties, through Alex N'gonga, Bornwell Mwape, Moses Phiri, Kabaso Chongo and captain Bronson Chama.
The hosts gave South Africa little opportunity, if any, to express themselves, pressing them into their own half and forcing them to play long balls. How Chipolopolo failed to score is a mystery after they enjoyed the lion's share of the possession in the first half.
Zambia asked questions of the Bafana defence and Gordon Igesund's men had unconvincing answers. Chipolopolo just didn't have a finisher.
Igesund made five changes to the side that beat Namibia 2-1 in the quarterfinals in Lusaka.
But Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Jabulani Shongwe, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Thabani Mthembu and Katlego Mashego never got going, leaving the back four exposed.
Bafana twice had to rely on the young Tshepo Gumede to clear in the danger area after some fancy footwork from Mukuka Mulenga and Bruce Musakanya.
These two midfielders gave the Bafana defenders, especially Nonyane at leftback and Gumede in central defence, nightmares. Only Hlatshwayo at rightback remained solid and composed.
Zambia could have had an early goal when striker Festus Mbewe scored with a header, but the referee awarded a free kick to Bafana instead. The forward had fouled goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands when both went for the high ball.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, Igesund decided to hold off on making substitutions. So did Zambia.
Five minutes into the second half, Igesund brought on Chabangu for the ineffective Mthembu upfront.
The Bafana coach then replaced Mashego with Mandla Masango, which allowed Manyama to push up as a lone striker.
Shortly thereafter, Bafana had their first real chance at taking the lead, with Manyama's header hitting the post and Gamildien hoofing the ball over the bar from the rebound.
Suddenly Bafana were no longer chasing the game and looked like they could sneak in a late goal.
Chabangu was to be the second Bafana player to see his shot shave the woodwork in the 81st minute.
Then Zambia suffered the same misfortune as Bafana when defender Kondwani Mtonga's fierce attempt hit the crossbar.
Sandilands had managed to get his fingertips onto it.
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