Copper Queens Launch COSAFA Title Defence With Commanding Victory

Zambia's Copper Queens made a statement of intent as they began their HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women's Championship 2025 title defence with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Botswana at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Thursday.

Regina Chanda set the tone early, finding the net inside the opening 15 minutes as Zambia established control from the outset. The champions dominated possession and pinned Botswana deep in their own half for long stretches of the first period.

Their superiority was rewarded again just before the break when Susan Banda unleashed a stunning long-range strike to send Zambia into half-time with a comfortable two-goal cushion.

The Copper Queens continued to press after the restart, creating a string of chances. Captain Kabange Mupopo, having earlier squandered a gilt-edged opportunity, made no mistake second time around, firing home the third to put the result beyond doubt.

The scoreline could have been even more emphatic, with Eneless Phiri striking the crossbar from a set-piece shortly before Mupopo's goal.

The victory sees Zambia top Group B on three points, level with Zimbabwe — who beat Eswatini 2-0 earlier in the day — but ahead on goal difference.

The defending champions will be confident of progressing as they look to retain their regional crown.