FC Ongos finally won a match at the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa Qualifiers at the sixth time of asking.
This comes after beating fancied Green Buffaloes 2-1 in Balntayre, Malawi, on Monday.
First half goals from Beverly Uueziua on 24 minutes and Twelikondjele Amukoto just before the break saw them race into a healthy lead before substitute Vanessa Chikupila netted the consolation for the Zambians mid-way through the second half.
While already-eliminated Ongos celebrated a famous first win in the competition, they handed the Zambians, champions in 2022, a second consecutive defeat in Malawi and denied them automatic qualification to the semi-finals.
Ongos had lost five matches across two editions of the qualifiers, including two heavy defeats in the current tournament in Blantyre.
GROUP B WIDE OPEN
UD de Lichinga stunned Ascent Academy 1-0 on Sunday to lead Group B at the CAF Women’s Champions League l Cosafa Qualifier in Malawi and leave the semi-final race open.
Forward Celia Miguel scored the only goal for Lichinga after catching the Malawians off guard in a counter-attack at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
The result leaves the group wide open going into today’s final matches to decide the top two teams for the semi-finals.
The Mozambicans lead the standings with four points, one point ahead of the now second-placed Malawians, Ascent.
Gaborone United sit third with two points, whereas Young Buffaloes have one point after the Botswana side drew 1-1 with their counterparts from Eswatini in an early kick-off at the same venue.
In an earlier match, Gaborone United came from behind to hold Young Buffaloes, leaving both teams’ semi-final qualification chances in the balance.
Buffaloes took their fancied opponents by surprise after left-winger Tenalile Ngcamphalala netted her second goal of the qualifiers via a 24th minute volley after receiving a cross from the left flank.
The goal came against the run of play, which the dominant United kept at bay by the excellent reflex saves of Buffaloes goalkeeper Gcinile Dlamini, the eventual Player of the Match.
United eventually levelled matters as Yaone Modise slid the ball into the net from cross range in the 76th minute, thanks to a well-worked passing move down the left channel.
United went into the Group B contest against Buffaloes in a noon kick-off, with both teams desperate to know the meaning of a first win of the regional qualifiers in Blantyre.
Coach Khalid Niyozima’s side from Botswana started the qualifiers with a frustrating goalless draw against UD de Lichinga on Friday. Later, on the same day, Young Buffaloes lost 2-1 to the hosts, Ascent Soccer Academy.
On Sunday, coach Niyozima tampered with the starting eleven of the previous match, axing midfielder Maungo Maponga in favour of Annah Sechane.
On the other hand, Buffaloes coach Takhona Hlope was without the suspended Simangele Sikhondze, with Futhie Dlamini replacing her, whereas Nomvuyo Dvuba got the nod ahead of Mazwi Dube.
Group B’s proceedings wind up today when Young Buffaloes take on Lichinga, whereas Gaborone United host Ascent on the same day.
The top two teams from the group will join the best two from Group A in the semi-finals. The overall winner of the 10-day tournament will qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League’s continental finals, joining Mamelodi Sundowns. The Pretoria giants already secured their slot at the continental finals by virtue of being the regional champions. – Adapted from cosafa.com
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