Mamelodi Sundowns to represent COSAFA region at CAF Women’s Champions League
Mamelodi Sundowns have qualified for their third consecutive CAF Women’s Champions League as representatives of the COSAFA region.
The South African side reclaimed their title on Friday, with a 2-0 victory over Botswana’s Double Action Ladies in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers played at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban.
Sundowns’ qualification not only means that they reclaim their regional title, which was held by Green Buffaloes, whom they dispatched in the semi-finals, but they get a chance to compete for the continental crown they lost to Morocco’s AS Far last season.
The champions wasted no time in getting ahead with the in-form Chuene Morifi firing the South Africans ahead as early as the 5th minute from a distance to get her third of the tournament.
With the backing of the home supporters, the club from the nation’s capital dominated proceedings and could have added a second before the break but were let down by poor finishing.
The second of the day did eventually come through their skipper, Zanele Nhlapho who sealed an emphatic victory for Sundowns to reclaim their title and secure a place in the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 in November.
Earlier in the day, Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol claimed third spot after edging defending champions, Green Buffaloes of Zambia 2-1, to go home with a bronze medal.
Goals by Neide Maconho and Emilia Cazembe were enough to see the Mozambiquans make history.
Sundowns also finish the tournament leading the scoring charts with Lelona Daweti, Tiisetso Makhubela, Andisiwe Mgcoyi and Chuene Morifi all finishing the tournament with three goals.
Goanyadiwe Ontlametse and Lesego Radiokanyo of Double Action Ladies also finished with three goals.
The CAF Women’s Champions League, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will take place between 05 – 19 November and contested by 8 clubs, with this season’s winners guaranteed USD 400 000.
CAF Women’s Champions League Prize Money Breakdown
· Winners: USD 400 000
· Runners-up: USD 250 000
· Semi-finalists (2) USD 200 000
· Third of Group (2) USD 150 000
· Fourth of Group (2) USD 100 000