Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies close in on semi-final place after Silver Strikers win

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies moved to the brink of qualifying for the semi-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Malawi’s Silver Strikers in Gaborone on Sunday.

The result kept Godfrey Sapula’s side at the top of Group B with six points from two matches. The Hollywoodbets Super League champions have scored 11 goals in the competition and are yet to concede.

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies will complete their group-stage campaign against Costa Do Sol of Mozambique on Tuesday. Costa Do Sol are third in Group B with three points, meaning Sundowns remain in a strong position to progress.

Sapula welcomed the qualification prospects but said his team’s ambitions extended beyond simply reaching the semi-finals. He wants his players to maintain their high standards and finish the group stage with a third consecutive victory.

“I think we are pleased first at the qualification,” said Sapula.

“But for us as I said after the first game that we are not aiming to win two games to qualify, we are aiming to play all three games in the group to make sure we collect maximum points.

“You know, we follow our targets, our culture, our winning mentality. So, we are still going to go all the way in the next game to try and get maximum points.

“So, for us it’s not about only qualification, but it’s about maintaining the winning culture. We were able to maintain the intensity. Intensity was really high and the tempo of the game from the first whistle to the last, and it’s something that we’ve been working on.

“But also, it talks to players that can come to complement you know, we were be able to make subs and the team remained strong.

“However, I also think that I’m pleased we scored two goals from set play, and it’s something that we’ve been working on in terms of knowing that at this level some games are going to be tight and set play can decide the match.”

Sundowns’ defensive record has been as impressive as their attacking output during the opening two matches. They have found the net 11 times while keeping two clean sheets, placing them in control of the group ahead of their meeting with Costa Do Sol.

Sapula also highlighted the contribution of his substitutes after Sundowns maintained their strength and intensity throughout the match against Silver Strikers. He said the team’s ability to make changes without losing its effectiveness was an important aspect of the performance.

The coach was particularly pleased that two of the goals came from set plays. He believes such situations could prove decisive as the tournament progresses, especially in tightly contested matches at this level.

Although Sundowns are all but through to the semi-finals, Sapula’s message is that the final group game remains significant. The South African side will attempt to collect maximum points, preserve their unbeaten defensive record and continue the winning culture he says is central to the club.