Zim U17 Girls Blaze Into COSAFA Semi-Finals with R...

Zim U17 Girls Blaze Into COSAFA Semi-Finals with Record Win

Patience Muchemwa – Senior Reporter

The Zimbabwe U17 Girls National Team has stormed into the semi-finals of the ongoing COSAFA Women’s U17 Championship in Namibia, following a resounding 12-2 victory over Lesotho. The emphatic result saw Zimbabwe top Group C on goal difference, finishing ahead of Lesotho and Botswana, who also ended the group stage with three points each.

Leading the charge was Mya Munyanduki, who delivered a sensational performance with four goals in the 3rd, 21st, 46th, and 67th minutes. She was deservedly named Player of the Match. Dee Winnie Mapuwa was equally clinical, also scoring four goals—in the 23rd, 32nd, 36th, and 48th minutes. Additional goals came from Chiedza Khumalo (42’), Alicia Chinyoka (75’, 85’), and Perpetua Chisuro (87’), sealing the highest-scoring match of the tournament so far.

Both Munyanduki and Mapuwa are now tied as the competition’s second-top scorers, underlining Zimbabwe’s attacking dominance under coach Lindiwe Ndlovu. The team has demonstrated exceptional determination and flair throughout the group stage.

Zimbabwe Football Supporters Association president, Adomsi Mukwasi Makosi, praised the team’s performance, saying:
“The U17 girls have made the nation proud. Coach Lindiwe Ndlovu and her team have shown great discipline, talent, and spirit. We are fully behind them as they progress to the semi-finals, and we believe this team has what it takes to go all the way.”

While the U17s celebrated their qualification, it was a contrasting moment for Zimbabwe’s U20 Women’s team, who were eliminated from the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. After a 2-1 loss away to Rwanda on Sunday, the Young Mighty Warriors were defeated 1-0 in the return leg, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate defeat.

Makosi also extended his support to the U20 squad, saying:
“It is unfortunate that our U20 girls could not progress, but we are proud of the effort they put in. Coach Garthly Chipuka and the entire squad gave it their all. These setbacks are part of the journey, and we remain confident that this young team has a bright future ahead.”