Copper Queens Crowned COSAFA Champions

The Copper Queens defeated hosts South Africa 4-3 on penalties, following a goalless 90 minutes in the final in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Winning the competition by overcoming Malawi in the semi-finals and then record championship winners South Africa “was no mean feat”, said Copper Queens Cach Florence Mwila.

The victory also showed the Copper Queens’ strength in depth, as they claimed the cup trophy without star player Babra Banda, who was voted the 12th best women’s football player in the world.

“Thank God we got the trophy like we promised we would. Overall, we’re proud of the girls and how far they’ve come. Our biggest strength is that we play as a team. We pushed each other and motivated each other,” continued Coach Mwila. 

South Africa coach Maude Khumalo said, “Zambia have more experience than our young Banyana team.”

“To be honest, I am very positive because these are young players, and this is where you start to build,” she continued.