Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies finish COSAFA group stage unbeaten

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies completed their CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifying group-stage campaign with a perfect record after beating Costa do Sol 4-1 at Gaborone United Stadium on Tuesday.

The result sets up a semi-final against hosts Gaborone United at GU Stadium on Thursday. The other last-four tie will see ZESCO Ndola Girls face Silver Strikers.

Sundowns coach Godfrey Sapula made wholesale changes for the meeting with the Mozambican champions, including handing goalkeeper Kgomotso Mussimango a starting opportunity.

Despite the alterations, the South African side made a quick start and took the lead after only seven minutes. Asanda Hadebe converted from the penalty spot after Ronnel Donnelly was brought down inside the area.

Costa do Sol’s goalkeeper was called into action repeatedly as Sundowns looked to extend their advantage. Boitumelo Rabale was denied from a free-kick shortly after the opening goal, before Nthabiseng Majiya was stopped in a one-on-one situation.

The Hollywoodbets Super League champions continued to press for a second goal and were rewarded in the 19th minute. New signing Wendy Shongwe rose to meet a Rabale set-piece and headed the ball into the net for her first goal in Sundowns colours.

Majiya came close to adding another goal just before the half-hour mark, but her effort struck the woodwork. Sundowns did not have to wait long for a third, however, with Hadebe setting up Donnelly four minutes later. Donnelly made no mistake with the finish, giving her side a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time.

Sundowns made one change at the interval, with Munashe Mugwara replacing Majiya. Mugwara had an early chance to score after the restart but sent her shot over the crossbar seven minutes into the second half.

Katleho Malebana also went close from distance, testing the Costa do Sol goalkeeper with a powerful strike that missed the target by only a narrow margin.

Costa do Sol pulled a goal back in contentious circumstances in the 59th minute when Lucia Leila’s corner went directly into the net. It was the only goal Sundowns have conceded in the tournament so far.

Mugwara was denied by the goalkeeper a minute later as Sundowns sought to restore their three-goal advantage. They eventually found a fourth in the 81st minute, when substitute Melinda Kgadiete headed home from a Lehlogonolo Mashigo assist.

Sundowns will now turn their attention to Thursday’s semi-final against Gaborone United, with a place in the final at stake.

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