University of the Western Cape (UWC) beat Gaborone United 9-8 on post-match penalties to lift the regional CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier trophy on Saturday in Malawi.
UWC will now join South African compatriots Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at the continental finals later this year.
The two teams in Saturday’s final had settled for a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, before extra time failed to separate the opponents.
UWC goalkeeper Siphilisiwe Dlamini converted one of the penalties then saved one for United defender Goitsemang Tlamma to win it for the South Africans.
During the game, UWC had put themselves ahead through Noxolo Cesane’s 71st minute volley after Ntombifikile Ndlovu’s delightful pass from the right.
However, the lead lasted for nine minutes as United’s Laone Moloi equalised when she headed the ball into the roof of the net after arriving in the box to welcome an inviting corner-kick from the right.
Extra time ended without a goal for the game to descend into post-match penalties.
Gaborone United forward Keitumetse Sithebe won the Player of the Tournament prize, with the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper claimed by Siphesihle Dlamini from UWC.
Bongeka Gamede of UWC and Siphilisiwe Ndlovu from Gaborone United shared the Golden Boot after each scoring three goals in the finals.
UWC also took home the Fair Play prize.
SATURDAY’S RESULT
Final
Gaborone United 1 (Moloi 80’) University of the Western Cape 1 (Cesane 71’) – aet; UWC won 9-8 on penalties
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 15
Goals scored: 39
Biggest victory: University of the Western Cape 6 Young Buffaloes 0 (Semifinals, August 22)
Most goals in a game: 6 – University of the Western Cape 6 Young Buffaloes 0 (Semifinals, August 22)
GOALSCORERS
3 goals – Bongeka Gamede (UWC), Siphilisiwe Ndlovu (Young Buffaloes)
2 – Noxolo Cesane (UWC), Alephar Chimbeta (Ascent Academy), Faith Chinzimu (Ascent Academy), Sibulele Holweni (UWC), Maudy Mafuruse (Herentals Queens), Yaone Modise (Gaborone United), Laone Moloi (Gaborone United), Sandiswa Ngcamphalala (Young Buffaloes)
1 – Twelikondjele Amukoto (FC Ongos), Melody Chikore (Herentals Queens), Vanessa Chikupila (Green Buffaloes), Keitumetse Dithebe (Gaborone United), Ndapewa Kateta (FC Ongos), Tiffany Kortjie (UWC), Fikile Magama (UWC), Koketso Mamabolo (UWC), Nondumiso Manengela (UWC), Jessica Maponga (Gaborone United), Celia Miguel (UD de Lichinga), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Ntombifikile Ndlovu (UWC), Celiwe Nkambule (Young Buffaloes), Egness Tumbare (Herentals Queens), Beverly Uueziua (FC Ongos)
