COSAFA Women’s Championship: Zambia, South Africa know semifinal opponents

Defending champions Zambia will face Namibia in the first semifinal of the COSAFA Women’s Championship at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is scheduled for 12h00 CAT as the Copper Queens push to defend their regional title and book a place in the final.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

Banyana Banyana are through to the semifinals and top Group A with 7 points!

🇿🇦South Africa 1 (Mphelo 38’)- 1 Lesotho (Moalosi 30’) 🇱🇸#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/WcM3ZX0JwM

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 24, 2026

Later in the same day, hosts South Africa will take on Zimbabwe at the same venue, with kick-off set for 15h00 CAT, as the race to the final gathers pace in Polokwane.

Namibia booked their spot in the last four after Mozambique delivered a 2-0 win over Madagascar. The Copper Queens reached the semifinals of after coming from behind to beat Eswatini 2-1 on Tuesday.

Madagascar who needed only a draw to progress as leaders, were undone on the day, opening the door for Namibia to advance.

Zambia drew against Eswatini in final group fixture

In the final Group B match at Seshego Stadium, Zambia controlled possession early and looked comfortable on the ball.

But it was Eswatini who struck first with Nonjabuliso Mokgale punishing a defensive lapse in the 14th minute after Agness Musesa failed to deal with a header. Mokgale cut in from the right and fired low into the bottom corner goalkeeper beyond Mwila Mufunte.

Zambia responded quickly with Captain Agness Musesa making amends in the 21st minute; rising highest to head in Mercy Chisanga’s corner and restore parity.

Assistant coach Charles Haalubono rang the changes, naming a different starting 11 as he rotated the squad.

Zambia struggled to find their usual rhythm but the breakthrough came seven minutes into the second half with Avell Chitundu finding space in the box and slotted home in the 52nd minute to seal the comeback and book Zambia’s place in the last four.