Young Copper Queens Triumph Over South Africa at COSAFA U20 Women’s Championship

The Zambia U20 Women’s National Team, also known as the Young Copper Queens, continued their dominant run at the COSAFA U20 Women’s Championship 2024 with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Africa on Wednesday. This win marks Zambia’s second consecutive triumph in the tournament, following their 9-0 thrashing of Lesotho in the opener. Goals from Ruth Muwowo, Saliya Mwanza, and Jessy Zulu gave Zambia a comfortable lead, positioning them as strong contenders in the championship.

The first half of the match was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Zambia and South Africa went into halftime tied at 0-0, leaving the game wide open. However, the second half saw a shift in momentum as Zambia’s coach, Charles Haalubono, made strategic adjustments that sparked the Young Copper Queens’ attack.

In the 62nd minute, substitute Ruth Muwowo opened the scoring for Zambia with a powerful strike from outside the box that caught South African goalkeeper Casey Gordon off guard. This goal changed the tempo of the game, as Zambia grew in confidence and began dominating possession.

Saliya Mwanza doubled Zambia’s lead in the 83rd minute with a stunning long-range effort that rattled the crossbar before crossing the goal line. This spectacular strike is already being touted as a “goal of the season” contender, demonstrating Mwanza’s exceptional shooting ability and composure under pressure. As the game entered added time, Jessy Zulu converted a penalty after Bwalya Namute Chileshe was fouled inside the box, sealing Zambia’s 3-0 win.

In the other game on Wednesday, Mozambique narrowly edged Botswana in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. Despite an early goal from Joana Mossueie for Mozambique, Botswana fought back, leveling twice before Armenia Machava’s penalty in the 70th minute secured the win for Mozambique.

With Thursday scheduled as a rest day, action will resume on Friday with Zambia facing Botswana in the first game. The Young Copper Queens will aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the group. Meanwhile, South Africa will look to bounce back in their afternoon match against Lesotho.

Upcoming Matches on Friday:

• Botswana vs Zambia – Kick-off at 12:00 CAT (10:00 GMT)
• South Africa vs Lesotho – Kick-off at 15:00 CAT (13:00 GMT)