Gaborone United Ladies FC have written their names into Southern African football history, clinching the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers title after a nerve-wracking 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls in Johannesburg.
The Botswana giants, runners-up in 2024, made sure this year belonged to them as they held their nerve from the spot after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. The victory means Gaborone United will represent the region at the continental finals later this year.
From heartbreak to glory
Last year, United fell short on penalties to South Africa’s UWC. This time, they turned the tables. A deflected header from Lesego Radiakanyo forced an own goal just before halftime to put them ahead, but ZESCO – who stunned defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals – equalised in the 90th minute through Fridah Kabwe.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time, leaving penalties to decide the champions. United stayed calm under pressure, sealing a famous win.
Stars of the tournament
- Eneless Phiri (ZESCO) – Player of the Tournament
- Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Gaborone United) – Golden Boot (7 goals) & record all-time scorer in the competition (13 goals)
- Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United) – Golden Glove
- ZESCO Ndola Girls – Fair Play Award
Gaborone United now join an elite list of champions that includes Mamelodi Sundowns (2021, 2023), Green Buffaloes (2022), and UWC (2024).
Hollywoodbets, tournament partners, praised the growth of the women’s game. “Supporting the women’s game is about more than sport – it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation,” said Morgan Shandu, Head of Operations.
Final Result
🏆 Gaborone United 1–1 ZESCO Ndola Girls
(Gaborone win 4-3 on penalties)
Goals:
- 45’ OG – Jackline Chomba (ZESCO)
- 90’ Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO)
Mini Top Goalscorers
- 7 goals – Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Gaborone United)
- 5 goals – Maungo Maponga (Gaborone United)
- 3 goals – Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morelife Nyagumbo (Herentals Queens), Eneless Phiri (ZESCO), Refilwe Tholakele (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- 2 goals – Fridah Kabwe (ZESCO), Avell Chitundu (ZESCO), Millicent Hikuam (Beauties FC), Lucia Moçambique (Costa do Sol), Boitumelo Rabale (Mamelodi Sundowns)