Namibia: Sundowns Claim Victory in CAF Women's Champions League Cosafa Qualifier

What the report says

Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier in Gaborone on Saturday, beating Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls 2-1 in the final, according to The Namibian report distributed by AllAfrica. The result gave Sundowns a third regional title and secured their place in the continental finals later this year.

The article said forward Refilwe Tholakele scored both Sundowns goals, including one from the penalty spot. Zesco briefly pulled level through Charity Mubanga just before halftime, but Sundowns regained the lead in the second half when Tholakele converted from the spot. The match was described as a close final, and Zesco again fell short in the decider after reaching it for a second straight year.

Sundowns’ win extended a strong run in the qualifier. The team completed the tournament unbeaten, scoring 22 goals and conceding only twice across five matches, underscoring its dominance in the regional competition. The club had previously won the COSAFA title in 2021 and 2023, and on both occasions went on to claim the continental championship as well.

The same report noted that host club Gaborone United finished third after defeating Silver Strikers of Malawi 4-0 in the bronze-medal match. Individual honors also went to Sundowns, with Karabo Dhlamini named Player of the Tournament, Tholakele taking the Golden Boot, and Andile Dlamini winning the Golden Glove.