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ZESCO Ndola Girls got off to a flying start at their inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Zone 2025 qualifiers in Johannesburg, thrashing Namibian champions Beauties FC 3-0.
Three first-half goals from captain, Avell Chitundu, Penelope Mulubwa, and Eneless Phiri, capped a dominant display by the Zambian champions, who spent much of the opening period camped in their opponents’ half.
ZESCO Girls coach, William Zulu, described the result as a perfect start that gives his side momentum going into their next match of the qualifiers.
“It was a good sign for us. It was a sweet victory and we are looking forward to another game. This is now water under the bridge,” Zulu said in a post-match interview.
In a group expected to be decided between ZESCO and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, the Zambians started on the front foot.
Mulubwa set up Chitundu in the 21st minute for the opener before winning and converting a penalty in the 41st minute to double their advantage.
Read More: Zulu confident as ZESCO Ndola Girls eye semis despite 1-0 loss to sundowns
In added time, VAR awarded ZESCO a second penalty after Mulubwa was fouled in the box, which Phiri converted to give them a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Beauties improve while ZESCO eased off, with Zulu making tactical substitutions to preserve energy ahead of their crucial clash against defending champions Sundowns.
In the other Group A fixture, Sundowns defeated Malawian debutants Ntopwa FC 3-0 in the late kick-off.
A total of 10 clubs from the Southern African region are competing for a single spot in the continental finals later this year, with Sunday’s ZESCO-Sundowns clash expected to be the group decider.
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