Gaborone United Ladies FC have been crowned champions of the Southern African region after they were 4-3 winners on penalties following a 1-1 draw with ZESCO Ndola Girls in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The Botswana club will go on to represent the region in the continental finals later this year.
It is the reward for a fine campaign after they had won the silver medal last year when they lost the final on penalties to South Africa’s University of the Western Cape. This time they made no mistake, beating ZESCO Ndola Girls without the need for spot-kicks, with the latter falling short after stunning South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the semifinals.
Gaborone took the lead in first-half injury time when Keitumetse Dithebe’s cross was headed goalwards by Lesego Radiakanyo, and the ball deflected into the net off ZESCO Ndola Girls’ Jackline Chomba for an own goal.
It look as though that would be enough for the win, until ZESCO Ndola Girls found a dramatic equaliser.
A shot from 30 yards came back off the crossbar and the hero from the semifinals, Fridah Kabwe headed in the rebound to make the score 1-1.
Neither could find a winner in extra-time, and it was Gaborone United who held their nerve in the shoot-out to complete a famous win.
Gaborone United are the fourth winner of the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers after Sundowns (2021, 2023), Green Buffaloes (2022) from Zambia and UWC (2024).
ZESCO Ndola Girls’ Eneless Phiri won Player of the Tournament, while Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse of Gaborone United took home the Golden Boot for her seven goals. She also became the most prolific goalscorer in the competition’s history during this tournament, taking her career tally to 13.
Tlamelo Pheresi of Gaborone United won the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, and ZESCO Ndola Girls claimed the Fair Play award.
It capped another incredible COSAFA club tournament, delivered in partnership with sponsors Hollywoodbets, who continue to invest in the future of football in the region.
“At Hollywoodbets, we are immensely proud of the success of the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers,” said Morgan Shandu, Head of Operations for Hollywoodbets. “The extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion shown on the field not only set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead but also underscores the immense potential of women’s football in our region. This event is a powerful indicator of what lies ahead in the coming months.
“Supporting the growth of the women’s game is about more than sport, it’s about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
“We are honoured to play a role in this meaningful journey and extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the exceptional teams that took part. Together, we celebrate, support, and champion the continued rise of women’s football as it reaches new and inspiring heights.”
