The Zambia Women’s National Team has advanced to the final of the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship for the second time in a row.

The Copper Queens, who are the defending champions, defeated regional rivals Zimbabwe 1-0 to progress to the final.

Zanaco Ladies FC striker Sarah Jere’s solo goal was enough to send Zambia to the final.

Jere took matters personally, dribbling past two defenders before beating goalkeeper, Cynthia Shonga at the near post to put her side in the lead.

It was her fourth goal in the competition in three matches, including a brace against Angola in the group stage.

Copper Queens on the verge of setting a new Cosafa record

The 2022 WAFCON bronze medalists are now one step away from defending their Cosafa title, which they won last year.

Should they win it, they will be only the second team after Banyana Banyana to do so.

Zambia will also be the first country in the competition’s history to defend both the women’s and men’s championships.

The Chipolopolo Boys claimed a record seventh Cosafa Cup title after they defeated Lesotho 1-0 in the tournament final, in July this year.

They moved clear of arch-rivals Zimbabwe (six titles) on the all-time Cosafa Cup winners list and successfully defended the title they won last year.

Meanwhile, Florence Mwila, who is in charge of the Copper Queen at the tournament, could also become the first female Zambian head coach to win the title.

With Bruce Mwape taking the back seat, the Zambian female coach of the year has guided the team to the final, winning three games and drawing once.

Zambia will now face Malawi who came from behind to beat Mozambique 2-1 in the second semifinal match today, thanks to Temwa Chawinga who netted a quick fire brace to extend her tally at the ongoing competition to nine goals.

The final between Zambia and Malawi will be played on Sunday.