COSAFA Women’s Championship: Zambia thrash Botswana, deliver title-defence warning

Zambia delivered a strong COSAFA Women’s Championship title defence warning with a 3-0 thrashing of depleted Botswana in South Africa on Thursday.

Midfielders Regina Chanda, Susan Banda and forward Kabanghe Mupopo were on target to hand the Copper Queens a winning start to Group B at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Ahead of the match, caretaker coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang took charge of the Mares following Alex Malete’s dismissal, which threw the camp in turmoil with some key players reportedly withdrawing from the tournament.

In the other camp, Zambia stand-in coach Charles Halubono named a relatively strong starting XI featuring regulars such as goalkeeper Hazel Nali of Zanaco Ladies, China-based captain Mupopo, defender Margaret Belemu from Red Arrows Ladies, forwards Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police) and Zanaco Ladies’ Regina Chanda.

What worked for Zambia, what didn’t for Botswana?

When play started, Botswana played to their strength by putting more sky-blue shirts behind the ball while seeking to thrive through long balls on the counterattack.

However, such a policy did not work: Zambia looked stronger, faster and dominant on the ball while pressing high up the pitch.

Little wonder, the Copper Queens got their reward. Chanda reacted the fastest in the box to bundle the ball across the goalline after Botswana goalkeeper Obusitswe Letebele had spilled a left-flank corner-kick in the 15^th minute.

In first-half added time, Turkey-based Banda added the second goal for the holders after a ball, which was recycled from the right corner, landed onto her path. The Cekmekoy BilgiDoga Spor midfielder made the most of a bouncing ball to volley into the far top corner giving the Mares goalkeeper no chance.

Zambia keeper Hazel Nali was on holiday

Zambia were so dominant that goalkeeper Nali seemed away in Lusaka on a holiday.

Therefore, it looked a matter of formality when Mupopo, who plays for Chinese side Henan WFC, scored the third goal for Zambia in the 78^th minute. She sneaked past the defence then slotted the ball past Botswana goalkeeper.  Letebele. Chipasula had dispossessed Botswana off the ball before picking out Mupopo with a clean through ball.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

Zambia 🇿🇲 3 (16’ Regina Chanda,
45’ Suzan Banda, 75’’ Kabange Mupopo (C) ) VS Botswana 🇧🇼 0#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/pYQZS4nDnL

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 19, 2026

In an earlier kick-off, Zimbabwe beat Eswatini 2-0 courtesy of Prayne Zvawanda and Rutendo Makore’s goals in either half to send the Mighty Warriors joint top of the group.

The games for the group resume on Tuesday, February 24 when Zimbabwe face Botswana at Seshego Stadium in North West Provide.

The other game will see Eswatini taking on Zambia at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The top teams in each pool, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals.

COSAFA Women’s Championship Fixtures

Friday, February 20

Mozambique vs Namibia – Group C – 15h00, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

Saturday, February 21

Malawi vs Lesotho – Group A – 12h00, Seshego Stadium

South Africa vs Angola – Group A – 15h00, Seshego Stadium