The Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban will be the center of attention on Friday afternoon as Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Double Action Ladies go head-to-head in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal qualifier, in a winner-takes-all clash.
Both teams come into the final on the back of impressive group stage performances, which saw both sides clinch the top spot in their respective groups.
The Brazilians began the tournament with a comprehensive 8-0 win over Olympic de Moroni of Comoros, before recording consecutive 4-0 victories against Eswatini’s Young Buffaloes and Mozambique’s Costa do Sol to seal the top spot in Group B. Banyana Ba Style then defeated last year’s winners, Zambia’s Green Buffaloes, 3-1 to reach the final.
Double Action Ladies, on the other hand, drew 1-1 against Green Buffaloes in their opening Group A match before securing a 1-0 win over Lesotho Defence Force Ladies and claiming a 4-0 victory over Malawi’s Ntopwa FC. The Botswana side then beat Costa do Sol 2-0 to book their place in their first-ever final.
Interestingly, both teams dominate the race for the Golden Boot with Tiisetso Makhubela, Lelona Daweti and Andisiwe Mgcoyi (all from Sundowns Ladies), as well as Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse and Lesego Radiakanyo (both from Double Action Ladies), all tied on three goals.
Banyana Ba Style has enjoyed playing against Double Action Ladies in the COSAFA qualifiers. Last year, both teams played out to a 1-1 draw and the year before, Downs put six past the Botswana outfit. Despite that dominance, Karabo Makhurubetshi is not taking anything for granted in Friday’s final.
“Although we are considered favorites, we are determined not to let complacency hinder our performance. It is essential to maintain our focus and show respect to our opponents off the field. However, once we step onto that field, it will become a fierce battle of determination and willpower. Our goal remains crystal clear: to give our absolute best and secure victory on Friday. We cannot underestimate the challenge that lies ahead and we are fully committed to approaching the game with the utmost seriousness,” Karabo stated.
Makhurubetshi also believes that the defeat in last year’s final serves as significant motivation this time around. She states, “We are determined not to let them get away with it because we want this title more. We are not overconfident, but we have worked tirelessly to reach this point and there is no room for errors this time. Collectively, we are all ready to fight for this title and do whatever it takes to bring it home.”
The winner of Friday’s final will represent the COSAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Ivory Coast in November.
The clash between Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Double Action Ladies will take place on Friday, September 8th, at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban. The kick-off is scheduled for 15:00. The third-place match sees Green Buffaloes face Costa do Sol in the early kickoff at 12:00.
We wish our Ladies all the best!!!
