Tholakele double sends Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies into CAF Women’s Champions League finals

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies secured their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals for the first time in two years after Refilwe Tholakele scored twice in a 2-1 victory over ZESCO Ndola Girls in the COSAFA qualifiers final at Gaborone United Stadium on Saturday.

The Botswana international opened the scoring and later restored Sundowns’ advantage from the penalty spot, completing a decisive performance that also saw her finish the regional competition as its leading scorer with seven goals.

The result confirmed Sundowns as COSAFA champions and maintained their record as the tournament’s strongest defensive side. The Hollywoodbets Super League champions conceded only two goals throughout the competition.

Sundowns made the ideal start when Tholakele capitalised on weaknesses in the Zambian side’s defence to put her team ahead almost immediately.

Karabo Dhlamini then came close to extending that advantage in the 13th minute. Her effort appeared destined for the net, but ZESCO goalkeeper Annie Nomonje made a brave save, putting her body behind the ball to keep the score at 1-0.

Dhlamini continued to threaten and won a free-kick four minutes later. She delivered towards Isabella Ludwig, whose header drifted wide of the target.

ZESCO struggled to make the most of their own set-piece opportunities, with Enelless Phiri and Pauline Zulu both failing to hit the target. Sundowns also missed opportunities to build a more comfortable lead.

Noxolo Cesane struck the woodwork in the 29th minute, while a further moment of controversy followed five minutes after the half-hour mark. Lelona Daweti went down inside the penalty area after being pushed, but a VAR review did not result in a penalty.

Tholakele was unable to convert another promising opening shortly before half-time, heading a Dhlamini pass wide from inside the box. Sundowns were made to pay for that miss in first-half injury time.

ZESCO won a free-kick and Phiri sent the ball into the penalty area, where Charity Mubanga finished to bring the sides level at the interval.

Sundowns introduced Nthabiseng Majiya for Daweti at half-time, while ZESCO replaced Phiri with Fridah Kabwe. The second half produced fewer clear chances, although Mubanga tested Andile Dlamini from distance in the 51st minute. The Sundowns goalkeeper dealt safely with the effort.

The South African side had an opportunity to retake the lead four minutes later when Dhlamini found Ludwig in the penalty area. With only the goalkeeper to beat, however, Ludwig miskicked her attempt.

Sundowns eventually regained control in the 63rd minute. Majiya was judged to have been fouled inside the box, and after a VAR review the referee awarded a penalty. Tholakele stepped up and converted to put Godfrey Sapula’s side back in front.

There was late drama when Sundowns appeared to have been awarded another penalty in injury time after a foul on Majiya. The decision was reviewed by VAR and overturned, leaving Tholakele’s second goal as the winner.

The victory sends the two-time African champions back to the continental finals after their two-year absence, while Tholakele’s seven-goal haul makes her the leading scorer of the COSAFA qualifying tournament.