By 
ZESCO Ndola Girls pulled off a stunning upset after defeating two-time continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers semifinals in Johannesburg, securing their place in the final.
The debutants came from behind to claim a historic victory against Sundowns, who had been unbeaten in the regional qualifiers until this clash.
Sundowns coach Godfrey Zolile Sapula admitted that the visitors were deserved winners.
“If we are honest, the better team won today. They were better than us in every aspect of the game. They wanted it more. We were poor, they dominated the second ball and we lost the 50/50. They brought it, and we didn’t deserve to win today,” he said.
Sapula added that his team had come into the tournament looking to make amends for last season’s disappointment but have once again fallen short.
Coach William Zulu praised his players’ resilience and tactical discipline after losing to Sundowns in the group stage.
“When we were coming here, they told us not to play an open game against Sundowns. As we tried to close, we made mistakes and they scored. I just told our girls to play our game and not get intimidated,” Zulu said.
He credited his team’s work ethic and preparation as the key difference in the semifinal.
The Zambian will now face Gaborone United Ladies FC in Sunday’s final at AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg, with a place in the CAF Champions League tournament up for grabs. Gaborone United booked their spot with a 3-1 victory over Mozambique’s Costa do Sol and will be aiming to improve on last year’s silver medal finish.
Sundowns had taken the lead on the stroke of halftime through Lesotho international Boitumelo Rabale, who turned and fired low into the corner.
ZESCO equalised after Sundowns goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s error allowed Eneless Phiri to score from close range. Fridah Kabwe then capitalised on another defensive lapse to put Zesco ahead.
Kabwe thought she had sealed the win with a late third goal in injury time, only for it to be ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee check.
Contributed by SAMUEL LUKHANDA
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