Zimbabwe defeated Zambia 3-1 to be crowned 2017 Cosafa Cup champions in the final on Sunday afternoon.

A number of players plying their trade in the Absa Premiership strutted their stuff, including Knox Mutizwa, Erick Chipeta and Ovidy Karuru.

It was Zimbabwe who drew first blood after Golden Arrows forward Mutizwa opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, however Chipolopolo were not to be outdone as they drew level in the 39th minute, courtesy of a headed effort by Mundia.

The two teams went into the half-time break deadlocked at 1-1.

Zimbabwe emerged as the stronger of the two teams from the half-time break and restored their lead in the 57th minute with Talent Chawapiwa netting his second of the tournament.

The tie was all but over ten minutes later as Chawapiwa turned provider for Mashure to slot home.

Tanzania claimed third place at the Cosafa Cup after defeating Lesotho in their third and fourth spot encounter, winning 4-2 on penalties on Friday evening.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/Backpagepix