COSAFA U17 Girls: Copper Princesses thrash Zimbabwe to reach final 

The Copper Princesses thrashed Zimbabwe 5-1 to reach the final of the ongoing COSAFA U17 Girls Championships in Windhoek, Namibia. 

Zambia started as the better side creating chances but Grace Phiri, Ruth Mukoma, Esther Makoti and Hellen Banda all failed to convert. 

Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion in England was also solid, making important saves. 

Natasha Kasema finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a powerful strike after Zimbabwe failed to deal with a Ruth Mukoma cross. Zambia went to the break leading by a lone goal. 

In the second half Zambia picked up from where they left off, Hellen Banda doubled the lead a minute after the hour mark with a brilliant free kick. 

Zimbabwe pulled one back with Bukata Kakumbi failing to deal with a Dee Winnie Mapuwa’s long range  shot. 

Zambia restored the two goal cushion in the 81st minute with Beatrice Njobvu rolling the ball into the net after being set up brilliantly by Ruth Mukoma. 

Grace Phiri then made it 4-1 two minutes later after wiggling past three defenders before shooting a bullet into the roof of the net. 

Natasha Kasema completed her brace in additional time, connecting well with a Ruth Mukoma cross to make it 5-1. 

Mukoma had a chance to add her name to the score sheet after the referee awarded Zambia a spot kick, Mukoma stepped up but her effort was easily dealt with by Nyakuchena. 

5-1 the match ended, Zambia are through to the final, they face the winner between Mozambique and Malawi. 

COSAFA U17 GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 SF 1

FULL-TIME ; Zambia 5-1 Zimbabwe

(Natasha Kasema 36′, 90+1′,  Hellen Banda 61′, Beatrice Njobvu 81′, Grace Phiri 83’| Dee Winnie Mapuwa 74′)