Zesco Ndola Girls have kicked off their CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifiers 2025 campaign in style, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Namibian side Beauties FC on Friday afternoon.
The Zambian champions made their intentions clear early on, scoring all three goals in the first half and establishing full control of the Group A clash. Captain Avell Chitundu opened the scoring with a composed finish, setting the tone for the match. Penalty specialist Penelope Mulubwa doubled the advantage from the spot, while Enelesi Phiri sealed the result with another clinical penalty to give Zesco Ndola Girls a comfortable lead heading into halftime.
Goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali, making her first competitive appearance since 2023, kept a clean sheet, providing a solid foundation for the team’s attacking efforts. Defensively, the team remained organized, with new signings such as Jackline Chomba and Vast Phiri ensuring no threats came through from Beauties FC.
Despite their best efforts, Beauties FC struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Zesco dominated possession, controlled the tempo, and dictated play from the first whistle to the break.
Head coach William Zulu praised his squad’s performance but cautioned against complacency:
“It’s a good start for us. But this is now water under the bridge. We have to keep working hard,” he said.
In the other Group A fixture, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies also delivered a commanding 3-0 victory, defeating Malawi’s Ntopwa FC. Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula acknowledged Zesco’s impressive display earlier in the day but stressed the importance of focusing on his own side:
“Zesco played really well and showed they are serious contenders in this competition,” Sapula said. “But for us, the focus is on our strengths and maintaining consistency. Every match is a new challenge, and we want to build momentum.”
With both Zesco Ndola Girls and Mamelodi Sundowns sitting on three points each, Sunday’s head-to-head clash promises to be a thrilling encounter to determine the top of the table. Meanwhile, Ntopwa and Beauties FC will look to bounce back when they meet in the other Group A fixture.
Zesco’s strong performance, clinical finishing, and tactical discipline underline their ambition to make a serious impact in their debut COSAFA | CAF Women’s Champions League campaign, while Sundowns have shown they are equally determined to retain their reputation as continental heavyweights.
