ZESCO Ndola Girls vs Mamelodi Sundowns will decide who represents Southern Africa at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
The Zambian champions face the South African giants in Saturday’s COSAFA qualifier final at Gaborone United Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00 hours.
ZESCO earned their place in the decider after beating Malawi’s Silver Strikers 2-1 in a closely contested semi-final. Penelope Mulubwa and Charity Mubanga scored to establish a two-goal advantage before Silver Strikers pulled one back.
Sundowns delivered a powerful statement in the other semi-final, defeating defending champions Gaborone United 5-0. The two-time African champions will present ZESCO with their toughest challenge of the tournament.
However, the Ndola Girls have already shown that Sundowns can be beaten. ZESCO eliminated the South African side with a memorable 2-1 semi-final victory during the 2025 qualifier.
That campaign ended in heartbreak when ZESCO lost the final to Gaborone United on penalties. Twelve months later, they have another opportunity to finish the job and become only the second Zambian club to qualify for the continental tournament after Green Buffaloes.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Victory would give ZESCO their first regional title and secure Zambia’s return to the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Ninety minutes separate the Ndola Girls from history. Zambia must now rally behind them as they attempt to turn last year’s disappointment into continental qualification.
This is the final hurdle. This is the moment for the girls.
