South Africa will take on Zambia in the final of the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship after both produced convincing victories in their semifinals at the Wolfson Stadium on Thursday. Zambia brushed aside Botswana 4-0 in their Last 4 clash, before South Africa eased past Zimbabwe 3-1 as they stay on course for a third title in succession after being crowned champions in 2017 and 2018.
South Africa took the lead on 18 minutes when Bambanani Mbane headed home a free-kick from Mamello Makhabane, but within three minutes Zimbabwe were back level.
Mavis Chirandu took advantage of some indecision in the South African defence and crashed the ball home after picking up the pass from Rudo Neshamba. South Africa restored their lead just before the break when Amanda Mthandi picked up the ball some 35-yards from goal and produced a perfect chip to beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai after she had advanced too far off her line.
The home side remained in control of the game and added a third through Busiswe Ndimeni as she headed into the net from a free-kick. Zambia eased into the final with a 4-0 victory over Botswana as striker Rachel Nachula netted a brace to take her tally to 10 for the tournament and the outright leadership of the scorer’s chart.
Hellen Mubanga and Mary Mwakapila scored the other goals for Zambia, who had battled to see-off youthful Botswana in their final pool match on Tuesday but wrapped up the game early in this contest as they led 3-0 at the break. Zambia reach the COSAFA Women’s Championship final for the first time in their history, after three previous bronze-medal finishes.
The final between Zambia and South Africa will be played on Sunday at the Wolfson Stadium at 14h00 (12h00 GMT).
The bronze medal match will be at the same venue on Saturday at 15h00 (13h00). Zambia and Tanzania will contest the inaugural COSAFA Women’s Under-20 Championship final on Sunday after they claimed deserved victories in their Last 4 clashes at the Gelvandale Stadium. Zambia defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 with the only goal of the game scored after 30 minutes by Mary Mambwe.
In a game of few chances, Zambia created the best of them and were able to hold on for their victory to seal the final place. They will meet East African guest nation Tanzania, who stunned hosts South Africa with a 2-0 victory later in the day.
Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila moved joint top of the scorers’ charts with her fourth goal of the campaign, with Opa Sanga adding a second. Tanzania are now seeking to become the first guest nation in any COSAFA tournament, at any level, to claim a trophy win.
The final will be played on Sunday at the Wolfson Stadium at 10h00 (08h00 GMT). Before that Zimbabwe and South Africa meet in the bronze-medal match on Saturday at 11h00 (09h00).
Matches at both venues have FREE entry to fans, who can collect tickets from:
COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Spar – Daku
Spar – New Brighton
Spar – Zonke (Motherwell)
U Save – Opposite Wolfson Stadium
COSAFA WOMEN’S UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP
Spar – Gelvandale
Spar – Espen Heights
Spar – Algoa
Spar – Algoa Foods
THURSDAY’S RESULTS
Zambia 4 (Nachula 12′, 78′, Mubanga 26′, Mwakapila 33′)
Botswana 0
South Africa 3 (Mbane 18’, Mthandi 45’, Ndimeni 81’)
Zimbabwe 1 (Chirandu 21’)
SATURDAY’S THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF
15h00 (13h00 GMT) – Botswana vs Zimbabwe @ At Wolfson Stadium
SUNDAY’S FINAL
14h00 (12h00 GMT) – Zambia vs South Africa @ At Wolfson Stadium
