The Zambia Women’s national team on Sunday afternoon finally clinched the elusive COSAFA Women’s Championship as they edged South Africa 1-0 in the final.
The Copper Queens needed a Barbra Banda extra time goal to see off a resilient Banyana Banyana side in a highly contested final at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Coach Bruce Mwape made one change to the team that beat Tanzania in the semifinal on Friday as the female Computer, Ireen Lungu started ahead of Mary Wilombe.
South Africa were the first to threaten and hit the post just seconds after kick off but that was about it as the Copper Queens took over controlling the match and dominating.
Barbra Banda seemed to be in a hurry and missed a few chances, mostly ballooning her efforts.
In the second half Banda was again the main threat but it was Ochumba Oseke Lubanji with her hold up play and Susan Katongo with her work rate and creativity who were the most outstanding players for Zambia.
After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match went to extra time and it was Barbra Banda who proved decisive as she rose highest to meet a beautiful Margaret Belemu cross to head home the only goal of the match.
The goal was Banda’s tenth of the tournament further proving her dominance in this years’ Competition.
Zambia, held on to win the match 1-0 and clinch gold for the first after winning silver in 2019 and bronze in 2021 and 2017.
