The CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Zonal Qualifiers kicked off in Blantyre, Malawi today, Thursday, 15 August 2024.
The debuting teams, Herentals Queens and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) experienced varying outcomes at the commencement of the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers.
UWC experienced a narrow 1-0 loss to the Green Buffaloes of Zambia, who were the champions of this tournament in 2022. Despite the defeat, UWC showcased an engaging style of play, particularly excelling in the first half. Players such as Noxolo Cesane and Amogelang Motau captured the attention of the audience, as the team endeared themselves to fans with their dynamic attacking approach.
Conversely, the Green Buffaloes posed a greater threat through their counter-attacking strategy, frequently challenging UWC’s defensive line. Neither team managed to score during the first half, but in the second half, Natasha Nanyangwe, shortly after substituting for Chikupila, finally broke the stalemate for the Green Buffaloes. Nanyangwe elevated above the defenders to head the ball into the net from a corner taken by Agness Phiri, securing victory for the Buffaloes.
UWC put forth a commendable effort; however, they struggled to overcome the formidable defense of Esther Banda and goalkeeper Aisha Mbwana of the Buffaloes. UWC will resume its campaign against Herentals Queens on August 17, while Buffaloes will face FC Ongos on the same day.
After the game, UWC coach Thinasonke Mbuli said, “I think we showed what we are capable of, not the results we wanted, we always want to start the tournament on a high note, but I think we started very badly on the first half”
“We allowed them to do what they wanted to do, which is going to wings and try play crosses, putting pressure on our fullbacks.” coach Mbuli shared.
Coach Mbuli said they were too selfish sometimes on the ball, but in the second half, they did much better. Overall the coach was happy with the performance but mentioned that it was not enough, as performance only is not enough to win you games, especially in such games. “Next match is a must-win for us”, coach Mbuli concluded.
THURSDAY’S RESULTS
Group A
Herentals Queens 3 (Mafuruse 20’, Tumbare 29’, Chikore 70’) FC Ongos 1 (Kateta 90)
University of the Western Cape 0 Green Buffaloes 1 (Nanyangwe 76’)
FRIDAY’S FIXTURES
Group B
Gaborone United vs UD de Lichinga (KO 12h00; 10h00 GMT)
Ascent Academy vs Young Buffaloes (KO 15h00; 13h00 GMT)
GROUP STANDINGS
| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Herentals Queens (Zimbabwe) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Green Buffaloes (Zambia) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Univ. of the Western Cape (South Africa) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| FC Ongos (Namibia) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| Ascent Academy (Malawi) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gaborone United (Botswana) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| UD de Lichinga (Mozambique) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Young Buffaloes (Eswatini) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 2
Goals scored: 5
Biggest victory: Herentals Queens 3 FC Ongos 1 (Group A, August 15)
Most goals in a game: 4 – Herentals Queens 3 FC Ongos 1 (Group A, August 15)
GOALSCORERS
1 goal – Melody Chikore (Herentals Queens), Ndapewa Kateta (FC Ongos), Maudy Mafuruse (Herentals Queens), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Egness Tumbare (Herentals Queens)