ZESCO Ndola Girls will face their biggest challenge in a swim or sink tie at the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers this afternoon when they face off with South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Both ZESCO Ndola Girls and Mamelodi Sundowns recorded 3-0 wins in their opening matches of the Competition. Sundowns beat Ntopwa thanks to a Refilwe Tholakele brace and a goal from Nthabiseng Majiya.
The Zambian Champions on the other hand saw off Beauties with goals from Avell Chitundu, Penelope Mulubwa and Eneless Phiri.
Sundowns have never lost a game in this competition outright hence ZESCO Ndola Girls will have to do something that has not been done before.
The winner of clash, if there is one, will be at an advantage when it comes to qualification for the semi-finals, with only the top team in each pool advancing and the best-placed runner-up.
Hazel Nali is expected to start between the sticks with Mable Bwalya, Judith Soko, Jackline Chomba and Vast Phiri making up the back four. Theresa Musatila, Esther Muchinga and Melody Kipimpi are also available for selection.
2024/2025 Eden University Women’s Super League top goalscorer and player of the season Penelope Mulubwa is expected to lead the attack alongside Thandiwe Ndhlovu and Enelesi ‘Mayuka’ Phiri.
Dorothy Daka is expected to join Avell Chitundu and Marjory Mulenga in midfield ahead of Elizabeth Mupeso and Abigail Munkombwe.
For Sundowns aside Tholakele, they have other stars like Melinda Kgadiete, who was crowned Best Player of the COSAFA Tournament in 2022 and finished as Top Scorer with five goals in the 2021 edition.
In goals Andile Dlamini is expected to start with the likes of Bambanani Mbane, Lebohang Ramalepe and Asanda Hadebe in defense. 29 year old Boitumelo Joyce Rabale is expected to start in midfield.
Kick off at the AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa is set for 15h00 CAT.
