ZESCO Ndola Girls have reached the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier final for a second consecutive year after beating Malawi’s Silver Strikers 2–1 in Thursday’s semi-final in Gaborone.
The Zambian champions made a fast start, scoring twice inside the opening 18 minutes to take control of the contest. Penelope Mulubwa opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Charity Mubanga doubled the lead seven minutes later.
Silver Strikers responded strongly after the break and pulled a goal back in the 62nd minute when Carolyne Mathyola reacted quickest to a rebound.
The Malawians pressed for an equaliser, but ZESCO held firm to secure their place in Saturday’s final.
The victory extends ZESCO’s perfect run in the tournament after they collected nine points from three Group A matches, including a 2–0 victory over defending champions Gaborone United.
Saturday’s final offers ZESCO an opportunity to go one step further than they did last year, when they lost to Gaborone United on penalties.
Victory this time would secure the COSAFA title and ZESCO’s place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals as Southern Africa’s representative.