Defending champions Zambia came from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory over Eswatini in their final Group B match on Tuesday, sealing their place in the semi-finals of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The Copper Queens showed resilience at Seshego Stadium, overturning an early deficit to stay firmly on course to defend their regional crown.
Head coach Charles Haalubono rang the changes from the side that drew with Zimbabwe in the previous outing, with only Glory Chilenga retaining her place in the starting XI. Despite the reshuffle, Zambia’s objective remained clear — finish top and progress.
Eswatini struck first inside the opening 20 minutes through Nonjabuliso Mokgale, who capitalised on the goalkeeper being out of position to slot the ball home and stun the reigning champions.
But Zambia responded with character.
The equaliser arrived from a set-piece, a familiar source of strength for the Copper Queens. Mercy Chipasula delivered a pinpoint corner, and stand-in captain Agnes Musesa rose highest to power home a header and restore parity before the break.
Zambia carried that momentum into the second half and completed the turnaround within five minutes of the restart. Avell Chitundu struck decisively to hand the champions the lead — and ultimately the three points.
The victory ensured Zambia finished top of Group B on seven points, level with Zimbabwe but ahead on goal difference. Zimbabwe also advanced after edging Botswana 1-0, confirming their semi-final place as the best runner-up.
Under tournament regulations, results against the bottom-placed team in Groups A and B are excluded when calculating the best second-placed side. That left Zimbabwe with four points on the adjusted table, a tally no second-placed team in Group C can surpass.
For Zambia, the focus now shifts to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of Group C as they continue their quest to successfully defend the COSAFA title.
