Zambia Stun South Africa to Win Their First COSAFA Cup

Zambia’s women’s football team stunned reigning champions South Africa on their own territory to win the COSAFA Cup.

The competition, run by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations, involves eight teams from the region. This year’s final was hosted at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in KwaZakele, Ibhayi just outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

It was a nervous start for the Copper Queens as South Africa struck the woodwork inside the opening minute. Whilst Xiomara Mapepa forced an excellent save from the South African goalkeeper shortly afterwards, the game proved a cagey affair inside regulation time.

However, with 108 minutes gone, the Isaac Wolfson Stadium burst into life as Zambia’s captain climbed to meet Belemu’s cross and guided the ball into the top left-hand corner. Barbra Banda’s heroics capped off a fantastic campaign for the forward, as she went on to be named player of the tournament.

In the semi-final, Zambia defeated Tanzania 2-1 whilst South Africa edged a 1-0 victory over Namibia. In the third-place play-off, Tanzania were victorious, winning 2-1.

Despite strong performances from Zambia in recent years, South Africa entered the game as strong favourites. Not only did they arrive as reigning champions but also as the cup’s most successful team. They have won the tournament a remarkable seven times since 2002.

For the Copper Queens, this victory is the realisation of a long-held dream. Zambia had finished third four times and finally enacted revenge on the Banyana Banyana after their defeats in the 2019 COSAFA final and in the semi-final of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Image: @COSAFAMEDIA via Twitter