By FAZ Media
Defending champions Ghana’s Black Damsels have ended Zambia’s Under-15 girls’ continental title aspirations with a hard-fought 1–0 victory in the semi-finals of the CAF African Schools Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Zambia fell behind as early as the seventh minute after Blessings Tettey capitalised on a defensive lapse.
Goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale misjudged what appeared to be a routine cross, only to see the ball sail into the back of the net.
Stung by the early setback, Zambia responded by piling pressure on the Ghanaian defence.
Striker Phidah Muzuwa came close to restoring parity, but her effort rattled the crossbar, much to the frustration of the Zambian bench.
Winger Peggy Banda, a fan favourite, dazzled down the left flank with her trademark runs, but she too failed to find a way past Ghana’s resolute backline.
At the final whistle, emotions ran high in the Zambian camp with players visibly distraught.
Head coach Chisala Chibesa and goalkeeper Mutale were among those left inconsolable after the narrow defeat.
Speaking after the match, Chibesa praised her team’s effort despite the result.
“The girls did their best. Playing against a West African side like Ghana is never easy,” Chisala said.
“Overall, the team has performed exceptionally well. This is our first time at this championship, and we will go back, regroup, and prepare for future competitions.”
Team captain Rebecca Mbutawo also spoke positively on the experience.
“This platform has taught me a lot and given us exposure, especially competing against other national teams,” Mbutawo said.
Zambia will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff, where they will face Morocco on Friday Morning at 10:00 as they seek to salvage bronze.
Meanwhile, Ghana will take on Burkina Faso in the final, setting up a rematch after the West Africans suffered a 1–0 defeat to the same opponents during the group stages.
