Junior Shepolopolo Set for COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Final Showdown Against Malawi

by Joe S.T · Published May 16, 2025 · Updated May 16, 2025

Defending champions Zambia have booked their place in the final of the 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship, where they will take on regional rivals Malawi this Saturday at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Junior Shepolopolo stormed into the final with a commanding 5-1 victory over Zimbabwe, displaying dominance and flair throughout the semi-final clash. In contrast, Malawi edged past Mozambique with a late winner in a tense encounter.

Zambia’s match will kick off at 14:00 CAT, while the third-place playoff between Zimbabwe and Mozambique will get underway at 11:00 CAT. Both matches will be streamed live on FIFA+, allowing fans back home to rally behind the girls.

Zambia’s Semi-Final Brilliance

The young Zambian side showed their class early on and never looked in danger, though the breakthrough came in the 36th minute through Natasha Kasema, who would go on to grab a second late in the match. Hellen Banda, Beatrice Njobvu, and Grace Phiri also got on the scoresheet to complete the rout.

Zimbabwe’s lone goal came from Dee Mapuwa, who scored her fifth of the tournament.

Zambia Team picture during the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship match between Zambia and Mozambique at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on the 10 May 2025 © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Malawi’s Late Winner

In the other semi-final, Malawi battled through a tight encounter with Mozambique, eventually claiming a 1-0 win courtesy of an 84th-minute free-kick from Talandira Kachala that floated all the way into the net.

Malawi enjoyed the better of the chances and now make history by reaching their first-ever COSAFA U-17 final. The clash against Zambia will also be a chance to avenge their 2022 semi-final exit, when they were eliminated by Zambia on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Eyes on a Third Title

Zambia will be chasing their third COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship crown and their second in a row, having lifted the trophy in South Africa last year. With momentum on their side and the talent on display, hopes are high for another golden moment.

COSAFA U-17 GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – KEY FIXTURES

Friday Semi-final Results:

Zambia 5-1 Zimbabwe
(Goals: Kasema 36’, 90’, Banda 61’, Njobvu 80’, Phiri 82’; Mapuwa 74’)
Malawi 1-0 Mozambique
(Goal: Kachala 84’)

Saturday Fixtures:

Third-Place Playoff: 11:00 CAT – Zimbabwe vs Mozambique
Final: 14:00 CAT – Zambia vs Malawi

Let’s rally behind the girls as they aim to bring the trophy home once again! Go Junior Shepolopolo