ZESCO Ndola Girls and Gaborone United Ladies to Contest CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers Final

29.08.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Eden University Women’s Super League champions ZESCO Ndola Girls have made history by reaching their first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers Final. The Zambian side came from behind to stun two-time continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory at the UJ AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg.

Lesotho international Boitumelo Rabale had put Sundowns ahead just before halftime, but ZESCO displayed resilience and determination in the second half. Eneless Phiri equalised before substitute Fridah Kabwe netted the winner to seal a famous victory and a spot in Sunday’s final against Gaborone United Ladies FC of Botswana.

A Historic Milestone

This victory marks a new chapter in ZESCO Ndola Girls’ history, as they qualified for the regional final on their debut appearance in the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Head Coach William Zulu hailed his team’s character and work ethic:

“Our strength lies in hard work. Today, the players kept working hard until the very end.”

Zulu also reflected on the team’s tactical evolution against Sundowns:

“In the first game we wanted to defend, and we hoped the worst result could have been a draw, but we failed. Today, we played our normal game.”

Eyes on the Big Prize

Looking ahead to the final, the coach made his ambition clear:

“Our goal is to go to the CAF Women’s Champions League. Our song is going to the CAF Women’s Champions League. We have crossed one bridge, we remain with another, and we must work hard to cross the final bridge.”

Zulu also expressed gratitude to the fans back home in Zambia:

“Thank you very much for supporting us. We have been reading the encouraging messages. Please continue encouraging us until we lift the trophy.”

With determination and belief, ZESCO Ndola Girls now stand just one step away from their dream of playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League.