ZESCO Ndola Girls have made a flying start to their CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL) qualifiers after defeating Zimbabwean champions Herentals Queens 5-2 in their opening Group A match at the Gaborone United Stadium in Botswana.
The Zambian champions produced an impressive attacking display, with Eneless Phiri scoring twice, while Charity Mubanga also grabbed a brace. Milla Milambo added the fifth goal as ZESCO Ndola Girls secured maximum points in their opening fixture.
Phiri Leads ZESCO’s Five-Star Performance
ZESCO Ndola Girls made a blistering start to the contest, with Eneless Phiri opening the scoring in the seventh minute.
Charity Mubanga then took centre stage, scoring in the 10th and 22nd minutes to put the Zambian champions firmly in control.
Herentals Queens pulled one back through Natasha Benza in the 42nd minute, but ZESCO remained in command heading into the break.
Phiri restored the two-goal advantage six minutes into the second half, completing her brace in the 51st minute.
Milla Milambo then added a fifth for ZESCO in the 66th minute before Catherine Gwangwara scored Herentals’ second in the 81st minute.
The final whistle confirmed a convincing 5-2 victory for the Zambian champions.
Perfect Competitive Debut for Florence Mwila
The victory also marks a dream competitive start for newly appointed ZESCO Ndola Girls head coach Florence Mwila.
Mwila joined the club from Zanaco Ladies and has been tasked with leading the Zambian champions as they pursue continental success.
She could hardly have asked for a better opening, with her team scoring five goals and collecting three valuable points.
ZESCO Building on Last Year’s Experience
ZESCO Ndola Girls entered this year’s qualifiers with valuable experience from their impressive debut campaign last year.
The Zambian champions reached the regional final after eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals before drawing 1-1 with Gaborone United in the final and eventually losing the penalty shootout 4-3.
Eneless Phiri was named the tournament’s best player during that campaign, underlining her importance to the team’s ambitions.
This year’s opening victory suggests ZESCO have returned with renewed confidence and ambition.
Group A Qualification Battle
The three points put ZESCO Ndola Girls in a strong position in Group A, but the qualification battle is far from over.
The Zambian champions will next face Lesotho Defence Force Ladies on Saturday before taking on hosts and defending champions Gaborone United Ladies on Monday.
With only the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals, ZESCO will be aiming to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the knockout stage.
Match Result
ZESCO Ndola Girls 5-2 Herentals Queens
⚽ Eneless Phiri 7′, 51′
⚽ Charity Mubanga 10′, 22′
⚽ Milla Milambo 66′
⚽ Natasha Benza 42′
⚽ Catherine Gwangwara 81′
Group A
- Gaborone United Ladies
- ZESCO Ndola Girls
- Herentals Queens
- Lesotho Defence Force Ladies
Conclusion
ZESCO Ndola Girls have made exactly the kind of start they would have wanted in Gaborone, combining attacking quality with a convincing five-goal victory.
For Florence Mwila, it is an ideal competitive debut, while Eneless Phiri’s brace and Charity Mubanga’s two goals have given the Zambian champions early momentum in their pursuit of a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
