Sundowns Ladies reach Cosafa final after stunning comeback victory
Sundowns Ladies says reaching the final is a significant achievement, but their journey is not complete until victory is reclaimed at the CAF Champions League.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies achieved a hard-earned victory over Green Buffaloes in a thrilling semi-final encounter to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa zonal final for the third consecutive year.
Trailing the Zambian side for much of the match, Sundowns Ladies showed great determination and resilience in their comeback to secure a well-deserved win.
The Zambians grabbed the game’s opening goal, but the Brazilians fought back impressively thanks to goals by Zanele Nhlapho, Chuene Morifi and Tiisetso Makhubela to clinch victory in the pulsating encounter.
Having lost to Green Buffaloes in last year’s final, the Brazilians were keen to make amends and did so in style.
Maylan Mulenga opened the scoring for the Zambians before Zanele Nhlapo’s towering header made it 1-1, as both sides went into the break on level terms.
After the break, Morifi found the back of the net after an amazing run before Makhubela’s well-taken penalty wrapped up the win to extend their perfect record at this year’s competition.
Although she was not on the scoresheet, Boitumelo Rabale, who delivered a commanding performance, was pleased with the outcome.
“I am very happy that we secured the victory because the game was far from easy. Green Buffaloes were the reason we were not able to defend our title last year,” she said.
Rabala said while reaching the final is a significant achievement, the journey was not “complete until we reclaim the CAF champions league itself”.
“Before that, we have a final game to prepare for and I am eagerly looking forward to it. The team has shown great determination and skill, and I have every confidence that we can finish this journey on a triumphant note,” Rabale stated.
Morifi, who was named Player of the match, expressed surprise at the tactics of the Zambians but praised Downs for their ability to adjust.
“The game proved to be quite challenging because we initially expected them to deploy a low block, but they surprised us by matching us pound for pound.
“Our coaches played a crucial role in helping us settle into the game.
“For us, this match felt like the beginning of the tournament, and mentally, we were prepared for whatever they threw at us. While we are pleased with the result, we are not celebrating just yet. We have another tough game coming up in the final and we are eagerly anticipating the challenge ahead,” Morifi said.
The Brazilians will face Double Action Ladies in Friday’s final after the Botswana side beat Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol 2-0.
The winner will represent Cosafa in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Ivory Coast in November.
On the top scorers’ chart, five players are tied at three goals each: Tiisetso Makhubela, Lelona Daweti and Andisiwe Mgcoyi (all of Sundowns Ladies) as well as Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse and Lesego Radiakanyo of Double Action Ladies.
Before the semi-final, four Sundowns Ladies players were named in the ‘Group Stage Best 11’ with Andile Dlamini, Lelona Daweti, Chuene Morifi and Andisiwe Mgcoyi making the cut.
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