Zim U17 Bow Out of 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Champions...

Zim U17 Bow Out of 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship

Witness Runodada- Zim Now Reporter

Zimbabwe’s spirited run in the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship came to a heartbreaking end with a 5-1 semifinal loss to defending champions Zambia.

Despite a promising start and flashes of brilliance—particularly from goalkeeper Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena—Zimbabwe ultimately could not withstand Zambia's relentless attacking pressure.

Zambia opened the scoring in the first half, but it was Nyakuchena and her backline who kept Zimbabwe in contention with a string of crucial interventions. The match remained tightly contested in the early stages, with Zimbabwe showing grit and organization.

In the 65th minute, Zambia doubled their lead with a well-taken free kick, ramping up the pressure on the Young Mighty Warriors. However, Zimbabwe responded with determination. In the 73rd minute, striker Winnie Mapuwa pulled one back, netting her fifth goal of the tournament and offering fans a glimmer of hope.

That hope was short-lived. Zambia struck again almost immediately—a goal that sparked controversy among supporters.

Questions have been raised over the legitimacy of the Zambian third goal, with many suggesting it was offside. “Well done to our young ones,” said local fan Tendai Marombedza. “But I’d like to give you some homework—bring us a short video of that third goal. I didn’t see it clearly, but it felt offside. That goal broke our momentum. Our girls were coming back, and our goalkeeper was outstanding.”

Zambia capitalized on Zimbabwe’s deflated morale in the closing minutes, scoring two more goals to book their place in the final with a dominant 5-1 win.

Despite the heavy defeat, the Young Mighty Warriors earned praise for their heart and potential, with standout performances from Mapuwa and Nyakuchena pointing to a bright future for Zimbabwean women’s football.