Zesco Ndola Girls suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat on penalties to Gaborone United, missing out on both the COSAFA title and a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
After trailing 1-0, Zesco battled back to equalize late in the match through Fridah Kabwe and force extra time. However, in the decisive shootout, Hazel Nali, Jackline Chomba, and Vast Phiri missed their spot kicks, handing Gaborone United the victory.
Gaborone United, runners-up in last year’s final against Mamelodi Sundowns, will now represent the COSAFA region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League.
Zesco have also missed out on a chance to qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, set to kick off in October 2025.
The winner of the CAF Women’s Champions League, which will be played later this year will represent Africa in the six-club tournament.
Arsenal, winners of the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League, have already secured their spot. Others that have already qualified include Auckland United FC (OFC Women’s Champions League 2025 winners), Gotham FC (Concacaf W Champions Cup 2024/25 winners), and Wuhan Jiangda (AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25 winners).
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