Zambia and Zimbabwe seal COSAFA Women’s Championship semis spots

COSAFA Women’s Championship holders Zambia came from behind to defeat Eswatini 2-1 in Limpopo on Tuesday, sealing their place in the semi-finals alongside Zimbabwe.

The Copper Queens finished as Group B leaders at the Seshego Stadium, while the Mighty Warriors progressed as the best runners-up after edging Botswana 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier that afternoon.

Zambia entered the match determined to secure their knockout slot following a goalless draw in their previous outing against Zimbabwe. However, the defending champions found Eswatini difficult to break down early on. Sitsebe Samhlekazi were the first to strike, taking the lead after just 14 minutes.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

The Copper Queens get the job DONE and book their spot in the semifinals!

🇿🇲Zambia 2 (Musesa 21’Chitundu 52’) – 1 Eswatini (Mokgale 14’) 🇸🇿 #CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/BBJMHNfPAe

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 24, 2026

Eswatini Gives Zambia a Scare at COSAFA Women’s Championship

A deflected clearance from Zambian defender Agnes Musesa landed directly in the path of Nonjabuliso Mokgale, who outpaced her markers before slotting a low effort into the net for the opener. The goal followed a quick turnover of possession that saw Eswatini slice through the middle with four rapid passes.

Just eight minutes later, skipper Musesa made amends. She rose unmarked at the back post to head home Mercy Chipasula’s corner-kick, pulling the Copper Queens level.

Substitute Avell Chitundu eventually put Zambia ahead in the 51st minute. She beat the offside trap by drifting inside just as a cross was delivered from the right, connecting cleanly to beat the Eswatini goalkeeper.

Zimbabwe Ends Malawi’s COSAFA Hopes

Around the same time, Zimbabwe overcame a resilient Botswana side courtesy of a second-half strike from Rutendo Makore.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

🇿🇼Zimbabwe 1-0 Botswana 🇧🇼 #CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/D4JYz4fAZo

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 24, 2026

The victory for the Mighty Warriors effectively ended Malawi’s hopes of sneaking into the semi-finals via the best runners-up spot. With only three points heading into their final Group A game against Angola, the Scorchers’ maximum possible tally is six points—not enough to overtake Zimbabwe’s seven-point finish.

COSAFA Tournament Outlook

With only one point each, Eswatini and Botswana have been eliminated from the regional tournament, joining Mozambique from Group C on the sidelines.

The final semi-final contest in Group C now rests between Namibia and Madagascar, who both have three points. Mozambique, having failed to register a point, are officially out of contention