ZAMBIA ARE U-17 COSAFA QUEENS

ZAMBIA’S Under-17 national women’s team have been crowned champions at the region five games in South Africa after beating Botswana 4-0 in a final played last evening at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.

Two goals in both halves through Jessy Zulu, Lucy Kajiya, Lubasi Pumulo and Gracious Tailoka handed Zambia the women’s youth title.

The Young Copper Queens tormented Botswana from the first whistle and almost went ahead nine minutes after kick off through Lucy Kajiya who was unfortunate to see his shot from a Jessy Zulu cross being saved by goal keeper Karabo Luka.

The Young Copper Queens led by coach Kaluba Kangwa finally went ahead 13 minutes after kick off through Jessy Zulu after she benefitted from Gracious Tailoshi’s assist.

Botswana came close to getting the equaliser five minutes before the half hour mark but were unlucky as Dimpho Sedirwa’s weak effort on the Zambia goal was dealt with by goal keeper Chitete Musanka.

Zambia doubled their advantage in the 39th minute when Lucy Kajiya scored her third goal of the tournament from a Mutinta Hatembo assist as the first half ended 2-0.

Botswana started the second half very strongly and came close to pulling one goal back three minutes into the second half but Chitete Musanka was alert to save Yaone Modise’s free kick with ease. The Young Copper Queens were forced to make a change on the hour mark as injured Mutinta Hatembo went out for Tefeoga Munene.

Lubasi Pumulo ended Botswana’s hopes of a comeback when she scored Zambia’s third goal in the 68th minute from a Gracious Tailoshi corner.

Tailoshi added her name on the score sheet two minutes later from a sublime free kick as Zambia triumphed 4-0 to lift the regional youth title.

The Young Copper Queens also dominated the individual awards as Chitete Munsaka was voted goalkeeper of the tournament while Lucy Kajiya won the top scorer’s award for her three goals.

The Player of the Tournament award went to Lubasi Pumulo while Botswana claimed the Fairplay Award.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Zambian referee, Raphael Mbotela made history by officiating his first international game as he called the shots in the semifinal match which saw Botswana beat Namibia to set up a meeting with Zambia.

Mbotela, who was fourth official in Saturday’s U-17 Boys match between Angola and Botswana, was assisted by Musa Nkomo of eSwatini and Aldair Carmelino of Angola while the fourth official was Moselantja Mbhele of Lesotho.