Brave Gladiators through to Cosafa semi-finals
Namibia have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Championship after Mozambique defeated Madagascar 2-0 in the decisive final Group C match at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday.
The result ensured all three teams in the group finished level on three points after two matches. Namibia advanced courtesy of a superior goal difference (+1), edging Mozambique (+0) and Madagascar (-1) to complete the semi-final line-up.
The Brave Gladiators now face a formidable challenge today, against the Copper Queens of Zambia in the first semi-final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, kicking off at 12:00.
Zambia are the defending champion, having lifted the 2024 title, their second triumph in three editions and reached the final for the third consecutive time last year.
The Copper Queens have been one of the tournament’s most consistent sides, missing out on the semi-finals only once since 2011
Madagascar had entered Wednesday’s fixture knowing that a draw would have been enough to progress, but Mozambique delivered a disciplined performance to keep the group wide open.
After Madagascar struck the woodwork early through Hanitriniana Nivo, Mozambique were awarded a penalty just after the 30-minute mark when Cina Manuel was brought down in the box. Amelia Banze converted from the spot to give her side the lead.
Mozambique pressed for the additional goals required to overturn the goal difference deficit, and despite several strong saves from Madagascar goalkeeper Verasantatra Diana, Manuel eventually made it 2-0 late in the match after capitalising on a defensive error. Mozambique could not find the third goal needed to advance.
For Namibia, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Mozambique before narrowly losing 1-0 to Madagascar, the outcome marks a return to the knockout stages and keeps their regional title ambitions alive.
All eyes now turn to today’s semi-final showdown as the Brave Gladiators aim to upset the defending champions and secure a place in the final.
In the other semi-final, hosts South Africa face Zimbabwe at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15:00.
South Africa are record seven-time winner of the Women’s Cosafa Championship but will be looking to regain the title after last lifting the trophy in 2020. Since that triumph, they have gone on to be crowned 2022 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions and excelled at the 2023 International Association Football Federation (Fifa) Women’s World Cup, in what has been a golden period for the team.
Wednesday’s Group C result at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
Mozambique 2-0 Madagascar (Banze 32’, Manuel 69’)
Friday's semi-finals at New Peter Mokaba Stadium
Zambia vs Namibia at 12:00
South Africa vs Zimbabwe at 15:00
