LIKUENA claimed their first ever outright victory over defending champions Chipolopolo in the Cosafa Cup with a come-from-behind 2-1 success on Thursday that has thrown Group A wide open at the regional showpiece tournament in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Hosts South Africa grabbed a 1-0 victory over the 10 men of Eswatini to head the pool with a full haul of six points from their two games.

Zambia looked to be headed for the perfect start when striker Justin Shonga gave them the lead just before the half-hour mark, having earlier struck the woodwork.

Shonga netted after Gamphani Lungu’s shot had been blocked into his path by Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane.

It looked at that stage as though it may be a comfortable win for Chipolopolo, but to their credit Lesotho came out firing in the second half, showing their desperation for a win after a 3-1 loss to Eswatini in their opening game on Monday.

Motebang Sera equalised on 70 minutes after being fed by Tumelo Khutlang and then two minutes from time he grabbed a winner after good work on the right wing by Tumelo Makha.

South Africa made it two wins from two in Group A when they edged Eswatini 1-0 in the later game. Eswatini were reduced to 10 men as talisman Felix Badenhorst picked up two yellow cards in the first half to put them on the back foot.

As with their 1-0 win over Botswana on Monday, chances were few and far between for the home side, but they made one count as Thabang Sibanyoni netted his first international goal with a neat finish just inside the box.