Ndola Girls Pick Up Silver on COSAFA Debut: Zesco Ndola Girls wrapped up their debut COSAFA Women’s Champions League campaign with pride, finishing as runners-up after a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss in the final. The penalties followed a 1-1 draw.
“Gaborone took the lead in first-half injury time when Keitumetse Dithebe’s cross was headed goalwards by Lesego Radiakanyo, and the ball deflected into the net off ZESCO Ndola Girls’ Jackline Chomba for an own goal.” But later on a dramatic comeback for Ndola Girls
”A shot from 30 yards came back off the crossbar and the hero from the semifinals, Fridah Kabwe headed in the rebound to make the score 1-1.” Cosafa.com
The CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers was played in Johannesburg, South Africa from August 22-31. Gaberone United Girls are the 2025 Champions of the COSAFA Womens Chapions league.
The Ndola outfit may not have lifted the title, but their journey was nothing short of remarkable. From overcoming group stage challenges to knocking out giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, Zesco proved they belong among Africa’s elite.
“We may not have won the title, but we return home with our heads held high for having put up a great fight until the final on our CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier debut,” the team declared after the final whistle.
Zesco Ndola Girls Storm Into COSAFA Women’s Champions League Final
There was more to celebrate on the night. Eneless Phiri’s standout performances earned her the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier Player of the Tournament award. To top it off, Zesco Ndola Girls were also crowned winners of the Fair Play Award, a testament to their spirit, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
For Zambia, the silver medal and individual awards highlight just how far women’s football has come. And for Zesco Ndola Girls, this is just the beginning—next year, expect them to come back stronger, hungrier, and ready to go one step further.
For Gaberone United Ladies its the best achievement for now. Gaborone United have joined the elite ranks of COSAFA Qualifier champions in the CAF Women’s Champions League, following in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns (2021, 2023), Zambia’s Green Buffaloes (2022), and the University of the Western Cape (2024)
