ZESCO Ndola Girls ready for any challenge in CAF WCL COSAFA Qualifiers

ZESCO Ndola Girls will accept whoever they are drawn against in the next stage of the CAF WCL COSAFA Qualifiers after finishing top of Group A with nine points.

The Zambian side secured first place with a 2-0 victory over hosts and defending champions Gaborone United, setting up a place in the next round while Group B continues to determine their opponents.

Katya said the team had no preference over who they would face, stressing that they were prepared for any challenge in the competition.

“This is a tournament so we are prepared for any team. We can’t say we want to play against any specific team, we are ready for anyone.”

ZESCO Ndola Girls will discover their opponents after the remaining Group B fixtures are completed. Silver Strikers are due to play Nsingizini Hotspurs, who have already been eliminated, while group leaders Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Costa Do Sol.

The result against Gaborone United was particularly significant because the two teams met in the final in 2025, when the Zambians were beaten 4-3 on penalties.

However, Katya rejected the suggestion that ZESCO’s latest victory was motivated by revenge. She said the team’s focus was simply on winning the match and collecting three points, while also recognising that every competition requires a different approach.

“It’s not about revenge, we are just here to play the game and this was a sweet three points for us. Every competition is different and so the approach is different everytime.”

The victory completed a strong group-stage campaign for ZESCO Ndola Girls, who collected nine points to finish at the top of Group A.

Katya also praised her players for carrying out the instructions they had been given throughout the tournament. The tactician said their ability to follow the game plan had been an important part of their progress so far.

The team’s performance against Gaborone United means they move forward with confidence, but Katya insists the identity of their next opponents will not change the way they prepare.

Rather than targeting a particular club, ZESCO will wait for the conclusion of Group B before turning their attention to the next fixture in the CAF WCL COSAFA Qualifiers.

Their immediate task is now complete: they have defeated the hosts and defending champions, finished Group A with a maximum nine points, and placed themselves in a position to face any side that emerges from the other group.