The Zimbabwe national team of players out of contract fell to Botswana 4-2 on penalties in the semi finals of the four nation tournament played at Dobonsville stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.

Former Dynamos striker Anesu Gondo had put Zimbabwe ahead in the first half but Botswana rallied back in the second to score an equaliser to force the match to a penalty shootout.  

Botswana triumphed 4-2 on penalties to book a place in the final against South Africa who walloped Democratic Republic of Congo 4-1.

Zimbabwe will now play DRC for the third and fourth place on Saturday.

Zimbabwe Footballers Union president Desmond Maringwa who is leading the Team Zimbabwe said the match was a good platform for the players to market themselves.

“The team might have lost but the whole essence was for the players to showcase themselves to scouts around. We hope some of the players will be able to tie down some contracts after these matches,” said Maringwa.

Team Zimbabwe which is being captained by Thomas Magorimbo also has the likes of Willard Kalongonda, Byron Madzokere, Jonathan Zvaita and a number of unheralded players. 

The tournament is being played in Soweto at Dobonsville the home ground of Moroka Swallows.