South Africa’s University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens clinched their places in the semi-finals of the COSAFA Qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League after a dramatic conclusion to Group A action on Monday.
UWC earned their spot in the final four with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Herentals Queens at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
The South African side, rebounding from an earlier defeat, secured the win through goals from Noxolo Cesane and Bongeka Gamede in the 46th and 60th minutes, respectively. Herentals’ consolation goal came from Moyo in the 81st minute, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.
Despite the loss, Herentals Queens also advanced to the semi-finals by finishing second in the group. Both teams’ advancement came at the expense of Namibia’s FC Ongos, who, despite defeating Zambia’s Green Buffaloes 2-1 in an earlier match, were eliminated from the tournament. Ongos’ goals from Uueziua and Amukoto in the first half secured their victory, but their three points were not enough to move them up from the bottom of Group A.
Green Buffaloes, who entered the qualifiers with high expectations, saw their hopes dashed after suffering back-to-back defeats. Following their initial 1-0 win over UWC, the Zambian side was defeated by both Herentals Queens and FC Ongos, leaving them without a semi-final berth.
The focus now shifts to Group B, where the remaining two semi-final spots will be decided on Tuesday. UD Lichinga currently leads the group with four points and will face Young Buffaloes, who have one point, in a noon kick-off. Meanwhile, Gaborone United, sitting on two points, will take on Ascent Academy, who have three points. All four teams still have a chance to progress to the next stage.
The overall winner of the 10-day tournament will earn a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League continental finals, making the upcoming semi-final matches crucial for the competing teams.
