Zesco Ndola Girls' COSAFA run ends in final defeat — 'we'll be back for the title'

Zesco Ndola Girls' debut continental statement ended one step short of glory: a COSAFA Women's Champions League final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, the two-time African champions whose experience told in the decisive match.

The run itself was the story. Coach Florence Mwila's side swept their group — including a 2-0 win over defending champions Gaborone United that secured top spot with a perfect record — and stormed through the semi-final to set up the Sundowns showdown.

"We'll be back for the title." — Florence Mwila, Zesco Ndola Girls coach

For Zambian women's football, the significance outlasts the scoreline. A club from Ndola went toe-to-toe with the best-resourced women's programme on the continent, and the Copper Queens pipeline behind them keeps producing internationals. The target now is qualification again next season — and finishing the job.