Mamelodi Sundowns, representing the COSAFA region, have secured their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League for the third consecutive time.
They clinched this honor by triumphing over Botswana’s Double Action Ladies with a 2-0 victory in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers, held at Durban’s Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Friday.
Sundowns’ qualification not only signifies their recapture of the regional title, which was previously held by Green Buffaloes, a team they defeated in the semi-finals, but it also grants them an opportunity to vie for the continental championship they lost to Morocco’s AS Far in the preceding season.
The champions wasted no time in taking the lead, with the in-form Chuene Morifi scoring a goal for the South African team as early as the 5th minute, marking her third goal of the tournament. With the support of their home fans, the team from the capital city dominated the game and could have added another goal before halftime, but their finishing let them down.
The second goal of the day eventually came through their captain, Zanele Nhlapho, securing a resounding victory for Sundowns, enabling them to regain their title and secure a spot in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League in Cote d’Ivoire in November 2023.
In an earlier match on the same day, Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol claimed the third spot by defeating defending champions, Green Buffaloes of Zambia, with a score of 2-1, earning them a bronze medal. Goals from Neide Maconho and Emilia Cazembe made history for the Mozambican team.
Sundowns also topped the tournament’s scoring charts, with Lelona Daweti, Tiisetso Makhubela, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, and Chuene Morifi all finishing the tournament with three goals each. Goanyadiwe Ontlametse and Lesego Radiokanyo of Double Action Ladies also ended with three goals apiece.
The CAF Women’s Champions League in Cote d’Ivoire 2023 is scheduled to take place from November 5 to 19 and will feature eight clubs, with the champions of this season guaranteed a prize of USD 400,000.
CAF Women’s Champions League Prize Money Distribution:
- Winners: USD 400,000
- Runners-up: USD 250,000
- Semi-finalists (2): USD 200,000 each
- Third in Group (2): USD 150,000 each
- Fourth in Group (2): USD 100,000 each
