Zesco face Malawi’s Strikers in COSAFA semis

Zambian champions Zesco Ndola Girls will face Malawi’s Silver Stars in the semifinals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier Botswana 2026. Zesco and Strikers will clash in the first semifinal on Thursday afternoon. Strikers booked a date against Zesco…

Zambian champions Zesco Ndola Girls will face Malawi’s Silver Stars in the semifinals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier Botswana 2026.

Zesco and Strikers will clash in the first semifinal on Thursday afternoon.

Strikers booked a date against Zesco after defeating Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 on Tuesday evening to make it two wins from three in Group B.

Carolyne Mathyola netted a hat-trick, while there were further strikes from Grace Kakangula and Gladys Banda.

The match between Zesco and Strikers is expected to be another battle between old foes Zambia and Malawi on the COSAFA platform.

Zesco were beaten finalists last year and have more experience, but Strikers have shown enough in this tournament to suggest they can be a match for anyone.

The Ndola-based Zambian champions booked their semi-final spot in style, securing top spot in Group A with a 2-0 victory over hosts Gaborone United at the Gaborone United Stadium on Monday evening.

Zesco finished Group A with maximum 9 points from 3 games: following victories over Lesotho Defence Force (1-0) and Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens (5-2).

Zesco coach Florence Mwila says her side is ready for the semi-finals.

“We are prepared. This is a tournament so you meet any opponent and you must be prepared,” she told journalists in Gaborone.

Meanwhile, Sundowns confirmed top spot in Group B with a 4-1 win over Costa do Sol in their final pool encounter at the Gaborone United Stadium on Tuesday.

It was another comfortable outing for The Brazilians as goals from Asanda Hadebe, Wendy Shongwe, Ronnel Donnelly and Melinda Kgadiete sealed victory.

Lucia Moçambique scored directly from a corner for Costa do Sol to take her tally in the tournament to four goals and move into the outright lead in the Golden Boot race.

Sundowns collected a full haul of nine points from their three group games, though they conceded for the first time in the tournament.