Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies maintained their perfect record at the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal qualifier, thanks to a 4-0 win over Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol on Monday afternoon.
Goals from Zanele Nhlapho and Miche Minnes, coupled with a brace from Andisiwe Mgcoyi, were enough for Banyana Ba Style to clinch Group B in scintillating style.
Having netted eight goals against the Mozambicans in last year’s group stages, Sundowns Ladies were once again tipped as favorites as both teams clashed in the top-of-the-table decider. The first half of the match was closely contested, with Nhlapho’s well-converted penalty being the difference between the two sides at the break.
In the second half, the Brazilians demonstrated a strong attacking performance, with Miche Minnes scoring and Andisiwe bagging an impressive brace. As a result, the Tshwane giants secured the top spot in Group B.
The 35-year-old Mgcoyi, who consistently proves that age is merely a number, has now bagged three goals in the tournament.
“I am pleased with my attacking performance so far because strikers are judged based on the number of goals scored. Most importantly, the team has been converting scoring opportunities, which is a positive development. I can sense the team’s mental readiness to recapture the COSAFA title we lost last year. We all recognize that this is a winner-takes-all tournament, leaving no room for complacency. Coach Jerry Tshabalala has played a crucial role in boosting our morale and we are fully prepared for the upcoming game,” Andisiwe stated.
Thus far, Sundowns Ladies have scored 16 goals at the tournament and have conceded none, something which excites Zanele, “So far so good, scoring many goals has improved our confidence with each passing day. The spirit and belief within the camp are high and everyone is motivated to achieve victory. When we left Gauteng, we collectively committed to excelling in Durban and we have lived up to that expectation thus far. Coach Jerry has played a crucial role in rotating the squad to keep everyone fresh, especially since the games are coming thick and fast. I am extremely pleased with the clean sheets and as a defender, that excites me greatly.”
In the other Group B fixture, already-eliminated Comoros Olympic de Moroni and Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Overall, the Brazilians finished as the winners of Group B with a perfect nine points from three games played.
With seven points, Botswana’s Double Action Ladies secured the top spot in Group A based on goal difference, while Zambia’s Green Buffaloes secured the second-place position. Unfortunately, both Lesotho Defence Force Ladies and Ntopwa FC were eliminated from the tournament, each accumulating one point.
Coach Jerry’s team will face Zambia’s Green Buffaloes in the semi-finals on Wednesday, in a rematch of last year’s final match. The other semi-final will feature Double Action Ladies against CD Costa do Sol.
