Zimbabwe U17 Girls Storm into COSAFA Semi-Finals with Thrilling 12-2 Victory Over Lesotho

The Zimbabwe U17 Girls National Team has made a powerful statement at the ongoing COSAFA Women’s U17 Championship in Namibia, storming into the semi-finals after a dominant 12-2 win over Lesotho. The result sees Zimbabwe top Group C on goal difference, with all three teams—Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Botswana—finishing the group stage with three points each.

The Young Mighty Warriors lit up the field with an electrifying attacking display, led by Mya Munyanduki, who netted four stunning goals in the 3rd, 21st, 46th, and 67th minutes. Her standout performance earned her the Player of the Match accolade. Equally impressive was Dee Winnie Mapuwa, who also found the back of the net four times—scoring in the 23rd, 32nd, 36th, and 48th minutes.

Chiedza Khumalo added to the tally in the 42nd minute, while Alicia Chinyoka delivered a late brace (75’, 85’) and Perpetua Chisuro rounded off the scoring in the 87th minute. The twelve-goal haul marked the highest-scoring match of the tournament so far and underlined Zimbabwe’s attacking firepower.

Both Munyanduki and Mapuwa now sit as joint second-highest scorers in the competition, showcasing the team’s offensive depth and tactical brilliance under coach Lindiwe Ndlovu. With their confidence soaring, Zimbabwe heads into the semi-finals as one of the teams to watch.

Zimbabwe Football Supporters Association president, Adomsi Mukwasi Makosi, lauded the team’s achievement, saying:
“The U17 girls have made the nation proud. Coach Lindiwe Ndlovu and her team have shown great discipline, talent, and spirit. We are fully behind them as they progress to the semi-finals, and we believe this team has what it takes to go all the way.”

While the U17 team celebrates their progress, the mood was more somber for the Zimbabwe U20 Women’s team, who were eliminated from the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. A 2-1 defeat in the first leg against Rwanda, followed by a 1-0 home loss, sealed a 3-1 aggregate exit for the Young Mighty Warriors.

Makosi also offered words of encouragement for the U20 side:
“It is unfortunate that our U20 girls could not progress, but we are proud of the effort they put in. Coach Garthly Chipuka and the entire squad gave it their all. These setbacks are part of the journey, and we remain confident that this young team has a bright future ahead.”

As Zimbabwe’s U17 Girls gear up for the semi-finals, hopes are high that they can maintain their momentum and bring home the title, showcasing the growing strength of women’s football in the country.