Defending champions Malawi powered into the semi-finals of the 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship, crushing Mauritius 9-0 to secure the top spot in Group B. Their dominant performance ensured they advance alongside hosts South Africa, who also topped their group with an emphatic victory over Seychelles.
Malawi, who entered their final group match trailing Botswana on goal difference, turned in a remarkable performance, finishing two points clear at the top of the group.
Monday’s 9-0 scoreline marked the highest tally in the tournament since Malawi’s identical victory over Lesotho in the 2020 edition, also hosted in Gqeberha.
Teenager Leticia Chinyamula and forward Sabinah Thom each scored hat-tricks, while midfielder Asaimenye Simwaka, a dual-sport athlete who represented Malawi in athletics at the recent Paris Olympics, added to the scoreline.
South Africa, having already clinched Group A’s top spot, delivered an 8-1 thrashing of Seychelles at the Madibaz Stadium, completing their group stage campaign with a perfect record.
Kesha Hendricks led South Africa’s scoring spree with a hat-trick, supported by contributions from four other players.
Despite the heavy defeat, Seychelles managed to find the back of the net late in the match through a penalty from Paula Moustache, which became their lone goal of the tournament.
In a historic move for the competition, Monday also marked the debut of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at COSAFA, introduced to ensure fair play in decisive group games and highlighting COSAFA’s ongoing commitment to innovation.
While Malawi celebrated their top finish, Botswana’s hopes were dashed in a goalless draw with Madagascar at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium.
Madagascar, reduced to 10 players after Marie Sarah Rasoanandrasana’s red card in the 50th minute, held their ground as goalkeeper Anastasie Soanrivo made a series of critical saves.
Botswana, needing a win to overtake Malawi, struggled to break down Madagascar’s resilient defence.
In other matches, Namibia confirmed their status as Group A runners-up with a 2-0 win over Eswatini, courtesy of two goals from star forward Zenatha Coleman.
Tuesday’s fixtures will complete the group stage, as Comoros and Zambia face off in Group C, each vying for the final semi-final spot and the chance to play Malawi.
In Group D, Mozambique meets Lesotho in a match where a draw would send Mozambique to the semi-finals against South Africa.
However, a win for Lesotho would create a three-way tie with Zimbabwe, with goal difference ultimately determining the group winner.
With Malawi and South Africa both showcasing their prowess, anticipation builds for Thursday’s semi-final matchups as COSAFA’s top teams fight for a place in the final.
