Zambia’s Copper Queens secured a spot in the semi-finals of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Eswatini on Tuesday. The final Group B match at Seshego Stadium started with Zambia dominating possession and controlling the rhythm of the game, but it was Eswatini who broke the deadlock early. Nonjabuliso Mokgale capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 14th minute, following a poorly cleared header from Agness Musesa, cutting in from the right and firing low past goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte. The early setback tested Zambia’s resilience, but they responded quickly, demonstrating their attacking intent and determination to turn the game around.
Zambia restored parity in the 21st minute through captain Agness Musesa, who rose highest to head in a precise corner from Mercy Chisanga. The equaliser gave the team confidence, but Assistant Coach Charles Haalubono had made significant changes to the starting lineup, rotating players to assess their performance under competitive conditions. The new lineup initially struggled to find rhythm and cohesion, which impacted the team’s usual attacking flow. Despite the disruption, Zambia maintained composure and looked for opportunities to exploit spaces in Eswatini’s defense. The tactical rotation demonstrated the technical bench’s focus on giving all players a chance to showcase their abilities while balancing the need for results.
The breakthrough that sealed Zambia’s victory came seven minutes into the second half when Avell Chitundu found space in the box and slotted home to complete the comeback. The goal highlighted the impact of reintroducing experienced players into the lineup, which helped stabilize the team and elevate the tempo. After the match, Haalubono acknowledged that the squad rotation initially affected performance, saying the team “didn’t play well” in the first half but emphasised the importance of assessing all players. The decision to rotate was deliberate, designed to provide equal opportunities for evaluation while still achieving a positive result. The second-half adjustments allowed Zambia to regain structure, create clear chances, and ultimately secure their passage to the last four.
Looking ahead, the Copper Queens will face the winner of Group C, which includes Madagascar, Namibia, and Mozambique. Currently, Namibia and Madagascar are tied on three points, while Mozambique has yet to register a point. A win for Madagascar against Mozambique would see them advance to the semi-finals to meet Zambia, setting up a competitive clash in the knockout stage. Zambia will need to maintain tactical discipline, sharp finishing, and cohesive team play to progress further and contend for the championship. The semi-final encounter presents an opportunity to build momentum and showcase the squad’s depth and adaptability under tournament pressure.
Zambia’s 2-1 comeback victory over Eswatini demonstrates the Copper Queens’ resilience, tactical flexibility, and squad depth. The match highlighted the challenges and benefits of rotating players, as well as the positive influence of experienced individuals in key moments. With the semi-finals on the horizon, Zambia is well-positioned to compete for the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship, continuing to develop team cohesion while offering all players a platform to contribute. The result underscores the team’s commitment to performance, strategic planning, and preparation for high-stakes matches in regional competition.