COSAFA Women’s Championship: Namibia End Zambia’s Three-Peat Dream with Late Smash-and-Grab

Zambia’s quest for a fourth consecutive final appearance came to a dramatic halt on Friday afternoon as the Copper Queens were stunned 1-0 by Namibia in the semi-finals of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Heavy favourites heading into the tie, Zambia were punished for their profligacy in front of goal as Juliana Blou struck in injury time to send the Brave Gladiators into their first final in 20 years.

Wasteful Queens Pay the Price

The Copper Queens, two-time winners in the last three editions and runners-up in 2023, entered the contest brimming with confidence against a Namibia side that had not beaten them since 2014. But dominance without precision proved costly.

Inside five minutes, Margaret Belemu picked out Avell Chitundu in space, only for the striker to lift her effort onto the roof of the net. Captain Kabange Mupopo also found herself in a promising position but failed to seriously test the Namibian goalkeeper.

Set-piece specialist Eneless Phiri came close with a free-kick that sailed narrowly over the bar as Zambia continued to press without reward. Despite controlling large spells of the first half, the Queens went into the break frustrated and level at 0-0.

Namibia, meanwhile, grew in belief. Veteran midfielder Zenatha Coleman began to exert influence after the interval, firing wide early in the second half as the Brave Gladiators showed renewed urgency.

Coleman and Blou Deliver the Knockout Blow

Zambia continued to push but lacked the killer instinct in the final third. With the match seemingly destined for penalties, disaster struck.

A lapse in possession in stoppage time allowed Coleman to pounce. With composure and vision, she slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Blou, who made no mistake in burying the decisive goal past the helpless Zambian defence.

The final whistle confirmed one of the tournament’s biggest upsets — and a painful end to Zambia’s three-peat hopes.

South Africa Await Namibia in Final

In the second semi-final, hosts South Africa women’s national soccer team edged Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Ethel Chinyerere had given Zimbabwe the lead with a stunning long-range strike before Nthabiseng Majiya restored parity for Banyana Banyana. Goalkeeper Casey Gordon proved decisive in the shootout, saving one penalty as South Africa booked their place in Sunday’s final.

Namibia will now face South Africa in the championship decider at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Zambia must regroup quickly for the third-place playoff against Zimbabwe earlier in the day.