* Zambia’s previous success came in 2022, while South Africa were hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2020
* To reach the final, Zambia defeated defending champions, Malawi Scorchers 2-0 in the semifinal while the hosts beat Mozambique 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw
Maravi Express
Zambia have been crowned champions of COSAFA Women’s Championship 2024 after they edged hosts and record seven-time title holders, South Africa 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final in Gqeberha yesterday, earning the Copper Queens their second title.
Zambia’s previous success came in 2022, while South Africa were hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since 2020.
To reach the final, Zambia defeated defending champions, Malawi Scorchers 2-0 in the semifinal while the hosts beat Mozambique 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Semifinal match between Malawi Scorchers and Zambia
A report by COSAFA Media indicates that Zambia were all over South Africa in the opening minutes of the first half, keeping the ball in the hosts’ half — however, they could not create clear scoring chances with their early possession.
The Copper Queens got a clear shot when they won a set-piece in the 12th minute, however Pauline Zulu sent her effort over the bar.
Banyana missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 41st minute when they won a corner. Tshegofatso Motlogelwa took the set-piece and when the Zambian keeper spilled it, Asanda Hadebe couldn’t capitalise on the second ball to score.
The start of the second half belonged to Banyana with Isabella Ludwig shooting from range and missing the target by an inch.
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In the 53rd minute Nobahle Mdelwa banged the ball into the net, however, VAR ruled out the goal. Lungowe Namasiku came one-on-one with home keeper Jessica Williams but the latter made an important block to deny her.
A bad clearance by Zambia defence saw Shannon Macomo also try her luck at goal only to shoot wide.
Banyana missed yet another golden chance to score in the 78th minute, after Hadebe set-up Mdelwa, who missed the target. The game went into extra-time but neither team could find a winner.
Meanwhile, Isabella Ludwig won the Player of the Tournament, while the Zambian duo of Ochumba Lubanji and Fridah Mukoma claimed the Golden Boot after they scored four goals each with Jessica Williams claiming the Golden Glove as Zambia took the Fair Play award.
Jessica Williams
From 21 matches played, 75 goals were scored and the biggest victory being Malawi 9-0 Mauritius in group stage followed by South Africa 8-1 Seychelles; Namibia 7-0 Seychelles and eSwatini 6-0 Seychelles.
Scorers
4 goals: Ochumba Lubanji (Zambia), Fridah Mukoma (Zambia)
3 goals: Leticia Chinyamula & Sabinah Thom (Malawi), Zenatha Coleman & Fiola Vliete (Namibia), Kesha Hendricks & Tshegofatso Motlogelwa (South Africa), Yaone Modise (Botswana), (South Africa) and Tenanile Ngcamphalala (eSwatini)
2 goals: Asimenye Simwaka (Malawi), Regina Chanda (Zambia), Ethel Chinyerere (Zimbabwe), Ivone Kooper (Namibia), Sinamile Mkhwanazi & Ayesha Moosa (South Africa), Celiwe Nkambule (eSwatini), Marie Sarah Rasoanandrasana (Madagascar)
1 goal: Faith Chinzimu, Catherine Kachala & Maureen Kenneth (Malawi), Haloua Ahamada, Nasrati Ali & Alicia Chanfi (Comoros), Twelikondjele Amukoto (Namibia), Cidalia Cuta, Aurora Ngale & Celia Miguel (Mozambique), Keitumetse Dithebe, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse & Laone Moloi (Botswana), Julie Gopal (Mauritius), Christabel Katona (Zimbabwe), Nobahle Mdelwa, Jessica Williams & Ntando Phahla (South Africa), Paula Moutasche (Seychelles), Charity Mubanga & Lungowe Namasiku (Zambia), Louisa Nambininjanahary, Sylvia Razananivo & Helisoa Ny Kanto (Madagascar), Nokuthula Ndlovu (eSwatini), Maria Ponda (Angola), Nthabeleng Potsane (Lesotho).—Content by COSAFA Media; edited by Maravi Express