ZESCO Ndola Girls Secure Semi-Final Spot at CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers

ZESCO Ndola Girls have secured a historic place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers after a dramatic group stage campaign in Johannesburg.

The Zambian champions had to endure a tense wait as their progression hinged on the outcome of the final Group C fixture between Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens and Comoros’ Olympic de Moroni. ZESCO finished as runners-up in Group A with three points and a +2 goal difference, leaving them in strong contention for the best second-placed spot.

When Herentals defeated Olympic de Moroni 4-2 on Wednesday, it sealed ZESCO’s advancement to the last four, as they edged out their rivals on superior goal difference. Both teams ended the group stage with three points, but ZESCO’s numbers proved decisive.

The format sees each group winner and the best runner-up move into the semi-finals, Group B winners meet Group C winners, while Group A winners battle the top runners-up.

The semi-final lineup is now confirmed, with four teams still in contention for continental glory. Group B winners Gaborone United Ladies (Botswana) will take on Group C champions Costa do Sol (Mozambique) in Friday’s early clash at 12h00 CAT.

The headline battle, however, will be a repeat of the group stage encounter between two-time winners Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies of South Africa and ZESCO Ndola Girls, who are making their debut in the competition. Sundowns narrowly beat ZESCO 1-0 earlier in the tournament, but the Zambian champions will be determined to turn the tables when the two sides meet again on Friday at 15h00 CAT.

ZESCO’s journey marks a significant milestone for Zambian women’s football, and the team will be aiming to cause a major upset against the continental giants as they continue their campaign in Johannesburg.