The CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers were rocked on Friday as defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered their first-ever defeat in regulation time, falling 2-1 to debutants Zesco Ndola Girls at the AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg.
The shock result means that instead of the much-anticipated Sundowns repeat, the final will now see Gaborone United Ladies of Botswana battle Zesco for regional supremacy on Sunday (14h00 kick-off).
Zesco Make History
Sundowns looked in control when Boitumelo Rabale broke the deadlock just before halftime. But uncharacteristic errors from goalkeeper Andile Dlamini handed Zesco a lifeline—and ultimately the game.
- Eneless Phiri tapped into an empty net after Dlamini spilled a routine ball.
- Later, a tame shot from Fridah Kabwe slipped through Dlamini’s hands for the winner.
Zesco thought they had a third in injury time, but VAR ruled it out. Still, the damage was done—the mighty Sundowns had fallen.
“This is what football is about—belief and hard work. We came here as underdogs, but we’re going to the final,” said a delighted Zesco coach after the match.
Gaborone United Keep Marching
Earlier, Gaborone United booked their second straight final with a polished 3-1 win over Mozambique’s Costa do Sol.
- Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, the tournament’s top scorer, struck twice to take her tally to a record-breaking seven goals in a single campaign.
- Maungo Maponga added a stunning long-range effort.
Ontlametse now has 13 goals overall in competition history—an all-time record.
A Final with a New Story
The upset sets the stage for a final that few predicted. For Zesco, it’s a dream debut; for Gaborone United, it’s another shot at gold after finishing runners-up last year.
With FREE entry for fans, Sunday’s clash promises to be a landmark moment not just for the two clubs, but for women’s football in Southern Africa.