Sundowns end ZESCO Girls’ COSAFA club cup dream  - Zesco 1 Sundowns 2

By BENEDICT TEMBO 

AFTER a near flawless performance, ZESCO Ndola Girls tumbled in the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier, losing to Mamelodi Sundowns in the final played in Botswana on Saturday.

It was a proud finish for the ZESCO Girls who settled for a silver medal after a hard-fought campaign at the COSAFA Women’s football tournament in Gaborone which also serves as an African Champions League qualifier.

The Zambian champions lost to an experienced and more ambitious Sundowns of South Africa who were declared the Champions of the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

The victory not only hand Sundowns their third COSAFA qualifying title, but also secured their place in the prestigious CAF Women’s Champions League.

Sundowns conquered the regional stage, sealing the title after a thrilling campaign filled with determination, quality and unforgettable moments.

Despite the loss, Zesco battled with determination, showed quality throughout the tournament and went all the way to the final.

Zesco were not just silver medallists, the Zambian side were also awarded the Fair Play Award for their outstanding, discipline and respect throughout the competition.

What a worthy and well-deserved recognition.

Botswana’s sensational star Refilwe Tholakele delivered a match-winning performance, scoring a brace to inspire Sundowns Ladies to a hard-fought victory ZESCO.

Sundowns also dominated the tournament’s individual awards, with three of their stars receiving major honours.

Karabo Dhlamini was named Player of the Tournament, while Andile Dlamini took home the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.

Tholakele, meanwhile, capped off a memorable campaign on home soil by claiming the Golden Boot after scoring an impressive seven goals during the tournament.