Debutantes Herentals Queens and University of the Western Cape (UWC) had mixed fortunes at the start of the CAF Women’s Champions League | Cosafa Qualifiers in Malawi on Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s Queens eased to a comfortable 3-1 win over FC Ongos from Namibia in a noon kick off before UWC lost 1-0 to 2022 champions Green Buffaloes of Zambia. Both Group A matches took place at 6 000-seater Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
The fourth edition of the eight-team tournament started with forward Maudy Mafurutse scoring Queens’ opener in the 20th minute. She got to the end of a high and long ball before chipping Ongos goalkeeper Agnes Kauzuu.
Nine minutes later, one goal became two when defender Tumbare Egness slid home from the crowded box to ensure the Zimbabweans’ two-goal cushion going into break.
Ongos made several substitutions to shore up the leaky defence and when play resumed such changes nearly paid dividends. Substitute Twelikondjele Amukoto, who had replaced Memory Ngonda, rose unmarked at the near post to meet a corner kick but the Namibian midfielder flashed her effort over the goal.
That miss proved costly as the Zimbabwean students sealed the win through midfielder Melody Chikore’s 70th minute volley, minutes after replacing Bridget Mutaurwa.
Next to enter the stage for yet another maiden appearance were UWC, who took on Buffaloes. The Zambians were, alongside FC Ongos, the only ones with previous experience in the regional qualifiers.
In this second game, the South African’s had a lion’s share of possession and instantly endeared themselves to the fans with their brand of attacking football.
But for all their enterprising play, it was the Zambians who looked more threatening on the counterattack.
In one of those forward forays, Malawian striker Vanessa Chikupila nearly scored for Buffaloes in the ninth minute, but her effort bounced off the post before UWC averted the danger.
After half-chances and meek attempts, Natasha Nanyangwe finally broke the deadlock in the second half, minutes after replacing Chikupila.
Nanyangwe rose the highest to head into the net from Agness Phiri’s corner-kick to win it for Buffaloes.
UWC did not go down without a fight, but they found Esther Banda-led Buffaloes defence and goalkeeper Aisha Mbwana difficult to beat. UWC return to action on August 17 when they meet Queens whereas Buffaloes date FC Ongos on the same day.
The action continues Friday when Botswana’s rookies, Gaborone United, face União Desportiva de Lichinga of Mozambique, followed by a clash between Malawi’s debutants, Ascent Academy, against Young Buffaloes from Eswatini.
The overall winner of the 10-day tournament will book a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League’s ultimate continental finals, joining Mamelodi Sundowns who did not participate in the qualifiers as they had already secured their finals’ slot by virtue of being champions of the Cosafa regional qualifiers. – cosafa.com
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