Zambia remained top of Group B following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe at the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship 2025, held at Seshego Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are now tied on four points after two matches, but the Copper Queens maintain the lead on goal difference. The match was closely contested for the full 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough despite several promising chances. Fans witnessed intense midfield battles, tactical defensive work, and goalkeeping heroics that kept the scores level throughout the game.
The first half saw a few notable moments, including a dangerous corner from Zimbabwe’s Nobukhosi Ncube just after the half-hour mark, which forced goalkeeper Hazel Nali to react quickly and clear the ball. Zambia controlled possession at times but struggled to convert opportunities into clear chances. In the final stages of the match, the Copper Queens applied pressure searching for a late goal. Eneless Phiri’s attempt went off target, while captain Kabange Mupopo’s long-range effort sailed over the bar, leaving Zambia still searching for the decisive strike.
Zimbabwe started the second half strongly and almost opened the scoring within five minutes when Rutendo Makore found space inside the box, but Nali produced a crucial save to maintain the clean sheet. Zambia came close through Agness Phiri, whose effort was set up by Mupopo, but the shot struck the crossbar and denied the team a vital goal. Assistant coach Charles Haalubono reflected on the match, admitting that Zambia failed to capitalize on clear chances. “We missed clear chances today. I think we had two one-on-one chances with the goalkeeper, which we wasted. We should look at that and try to work on finishing,” he said.
Haalubono praised Zimbabwe’s tactical discipline, noting that the opposition disrupted Zambia’s usual flow and denied them space in key areas. He also acknowledged the performance of Zimbabwe goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga, who earned the Player of the Match award for her outstanding display. “Zimbabwe was tactically very good. They planned well for us and denied us possession. We resorted to playing out of the back, and the Zimbabwe goalkeeper made key saves, which is why she won the player of the match,” Haalubono said. He also highlighted the improvements in the Zimbabwean side compared to their previous meeting during the three-nations tournament in Malawi, where Zambia won 3-1.
Haalubono confirmed that the technical bench will focus on sharpening finishing ahead of Zambia’s final group match against Eswatini. The Copper Queens aim to secure maximum points and maintain their position at the top of Group B. Zambia will face Eswatini on Tuesday, February 24, at 12:00 hours, with fans eagerly anticipating a strong performance that can ensure progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. The goalless draw against Zimbabwe highlighted the importance of converting chances and staying focused, lessons that the team will carry into their upcoming match.