The Young Warriors looked dead and buried in yesterday’s COSAFA U-20 semi-final against neighbors Zambia.
Simon Marange’s charges were trailing the Young Chipolopolo 0-2 with about 30 minutes of regulation time remaining.
Their exit from the regional showpiece was inevitable, until Prince Ndlovu.
The 18-year-old Highlanders star pulled one back for Zimbabwe three after the hour mark with a brilliant shot overhead kick and there was a glimmer of hope for the Young Warriors.
When EnocK Moyo was fouled in the box with 78 minutes on the clock, the Young Warriors had a golden opportunity to level matters.
Denzel Mapuwa stepped up but his effort from 12 yards was parried away to safety by Zambia goalkeeper Lavison Mumba before an alert Ndlovu fired home the rebound.
Despite missing his penalty in the shootout, Ndlovu was by some distance the best player for Zimbabwe yesterday.
