Zambia’s Copper Queens have triumphed in the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Championship, clinching the title after a penalty shootout victory over South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
The final, held in a charged atmosphere, ended 0-0 after extra time. Throughout the tournament, Zambia remained unbeaten and without conceding a single goal.
The decisive moments came during the penalty shootout, where Zambia’s goalkeeper Ngambo Musole emerged as a hero. She saved two penalties and even converted one herself.
This victory marks Zambia’s second COSAFA Women’s Championship title, following their first win in 2022. Last year, they faced disappointment after losing to Malawi in the final, but this time, they were determined to reclaim their place at the top.
Coach Florence Mwila who was assisted by Enala Phiri and William Njobvu also made history by becoming the first female coach to lead Zambia to an international trophy at any level.
“It’s been a great experience for me as a coach, for the technical bench, and for the girls, especially the girls that are coming [to the national team] for the first time. They put in there all, and they fought till the They fought to the end, and here it has paid off,” Mwila said after the victory.
The Copper Queens will now focus on the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they aim to build on their momentum after finishing third in 2022 for the first time.
