University of the Western Cape (UWC) beat Gaborone United 9-8 on post-match penalties to lift the regional CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier trophy on Saturday in Malawi after a 1 all draw on extra time at Mpira stadium.
UWC will now join South African compatriots Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at the continental finals later this year. The two teams in Saturday’s final had settled for a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, before extra time failed to separate the opponents.
UWC goalkeeper Siphilisiwe Dlamini converted one of the penalties then saved one for United defender Goitsemang Tlamma to win it for the South Africans.
During the game, UWC had put themselves ahead through Noxolo Cesane’s 71st minute volley after Ntombifikile Ndlovu’s delightful pass from the right. However, the lead lasted for nine minutes as United’s Laone Moloi equalised when she headed the ball into the roof of the net after arriving in the box to welcome an inviting corner-kick from the right.
Extra time ended without a goal for the game to descend into post-match penalties. Gaborone United forward Keitumetse Sithebe won the Player of the Tournament prize, with the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper claimed by Siphesihle Dlamini from UWC.
Bongeka Gamede of UWC and Siphilisiwe Ndlovu from Gaborone United shared the Golden Boot after each scoring three goals in the finals. UWC also took home the Fair Plat prize.
