ZESCO Ndola Girls have missed out on a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals for a second successive year after losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the COSAFA qualifying final.
The Zambian champions were beaten in a closely contested final in Gaborone on Saturday as a brace from Refilwe Tholakele secured Sundowns’ third regional title and ended ZESCO’s hopes of reaching the continental showpiece for the first time.
Tholakele struck inside the opening minutes to give Sundowns an early advantage, but ZESCO responded strongly and levelled through Charity Mubanga deep into first-half stoppage time.
The Zambian side had fought their way back into the contest, only to fall behind again when Sundowns were awarded a penalty in the second half. Tholakele made no mistake from the spot to restore the South African champions’ lead.
ZESCO pushed for another equaliser but could not find a way through as Sundowns held on to claim the regional crown.
The defeat represents another painful setback for ZESCO, who also reached last year’s final but lost to hosts Gaborone United on penalties.
They had entered this year’s competition with renewed hopes of finally breaking through and securing their first appearance at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Instead, it is Sundowns who will represent the COSAFA region at the continental tournament later this year.
The result also extends Sundowns’ remarkable record in the regional competition. They finished unbeaten, scoring 22 goals and conceding only twice across their five matches, while their three COSAFA titles have all been followed by continental triumphs in 2021 and 2023.
For ZESCO, there was some recognition despite the disappointment, with the Zambian champions receiving the Fair Play award.
Sundowns dominated the individual honours, with Tholakele winning the Golden Boot, Karabo Dhlamini named Player of the Tournament and Andile Dlamini taking the Golden Glove.
ZESCO will now have to wait another year for an opportunity to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, after falling at the final hurdle for the second consecutive campaign.
