🏆 Zambia Crowned 2025 COSAFA U‑20 Women’s Champions: A Complete Deep Dive
By Profmediaco
1. Introduction: A Showcase of Southern Africa’s Rising Stars
The 2025 edition of the COSAFA U‑20 Women’s Championship took place from July 4 to 13 in Windhoek, Namibia, alongside the Region 5 Youth Games. This biennial southern Africa tournament brought together eight national teams aiming to lift the coveted title at either UNAM Sports Stadium or Hage Geingob Stadium—marking Namibia’s sixth time hosting a COSAFA competition (Wikipedia).
Amid fierce competition, Zambia’s Young Copper Queens stood out, defending their 2024 crown with an unblemished campaign—scoring a total of 19 goals and conceding none en route to clinching their second title (Wikipedia).
2. Tournament Format & Key Competitors
2.1 Teams and Group Structure
Eight teams participated: Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Angola, Malawi, and Mozambique (which was replaced by Malawi mid-tournament) . The draw placed teams into two equal groups of four:
Group A: Namibia (hosts), Mozambique/Malawi, Botswana, and another unspecified team.
Group B: Zambia, South Africa, Angola, and Eswatini (ZamFoot).
Each team played round-robin matches within their group, with the top two advancing to the semifinals.
2.2 Zambia’s Competition: Main Rivals
Zambia faced stiff challenges, particularly from South Africa, a perennial regional powerhouse, along with emerging squads from Botswana, Angola, and Eswatini.
3. Zambia’s Group Stage: Domination from the Start
3.1 Matchday 1 vs Botswana (June 5, 2025)
Zambia sent a signal with a flawless 6–0 victory:
Goals: Jacqueline Nambeya, Saliya Mwanza, Mary Mbewe, Muwowo, and an own goal won spots in Sports News—each scoring in an emphatic statement (COSAFA).
3.2 Matchday 2 vs South Africa (July 5, 2025)
In a major test, Zambia delivered a clinical 3–0 victory:
Scorers: Ruth Muwowo, Saliya Mwanza (long-range), and a late penalty by Jessy Zulu demonstrated composure and tactical discipline (COSAFA).
3.3 Matchday 3 vs Angola/Eswatini (July 7–8, 2025)
A convincing 6–0 win kept the momentum:
Zambia stationed themselves top of Group B with nine points and a staggering +18 goal differential .
4. The Final: Zambia Secure the Title
4.1 Final Group Game vs Mozambique (July 12, 2025)
With just a draw needed, Zambia remained relentless:
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Leading 1–0 thanks to a 31st-minute tap-in by Zangose Zulu; goalkeeper Jessy Zulu had exited early due to injury (COSAFA).
With 12 points from four games, 19 goals scored, and none conceded, Zambia clinched their second consecutive COSAFA U‑20 Women’s title (COSAFA).
5. Tactical Analysis: Why Zambia Excelled
5.1 Defensive Solidity
An impeccable defensive structure, marshaled by captain Jessy Zulu and goalkeeper Mwila Mufunte (the 2024 winners of Golden Glove), kept the backline unbreached (en.africatopsports.com).
5.2 Midfield Mastery
Mary Mbewe served as the midfield anchor, providing tempo and distribution.
5.3 Attacking Brilliance
Bwalya Chileshe matched that tally, sharing top scorer status (Wikipedia).
With blurting pace, precision, and a keen eye for goal, Zambia overwhelmed opponents.
5.4 Coaching Brilliance
Led by coach Florence Mwila (supported by Charity Nthala), the team displayed strong mental resilience and tactical discipline (ZamFoot).
6. Star Performers: Player Spotlights
6.1 Saliya Mwanza
Achievement: Best Player of 2024 .
6.2 Ruth Muwowo
Achievements: Joint top scorer with four goals in 2025 .
6.3 Blessings Zangose Zulu
Achievement: Crucial finale goal and tournament Golden Glove contender .
7. The Broader Picture: Boost for Women’s Football
7.1 Regional Dominance
Zambia becomes only the second nation to win back-to-back titles (since Tanzania in 2019) (Wikipedia).
7.2 Path to Continental Competition
This regional triumph bolsters Zambia's readiness for the CAF U‑20 Women’s AFCON qualifiers .
7.3 Player Development and Exposure
The performances of these young stars will likely attract attention from clubs and scouts, fueling Zambia’s football pipeline .
8. Comparison with 2024
| Element | 2024 Championship | 2025 Championship |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Champions, 5 wins, 19–0 goal difference | Champions, 4 wins, 19–0 goal difference |
| Golden Boot | Ruth Muwowo, 4 goals | Ruth Muwowo & Bwalya Chileshe, 6 goals |
| Defensive Record | No goals conceded | No goals conceded |
This consistency underscores Zambia’s exceptional youth development systems.
9. Voices from the Camp
Coach Charity Nthala (assistant)
Emphasized preparedness:
“We are going to take each game seriously…target is to win the tournament and not concede any goals.” (ZamFoot)
Team Captain Blessings Zangose Zulu
Spoke on team unity:
“Morale is very high…we just need to work together.” (ZamFoot)
10. Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
10.1 CAF U‑20 Women’s AFCON
Zambia’s form positions them strongly for continental qualifiers and potential World Cup qualification campaigns .
10.2 Player Traceability
Players like Mwanza and Muwowo may secure international club moves, further enriching their experience.
10.3 Building on Momentum
FAZ should capitalize by expanding youth programs and investing in facilities—success breeds opportunity.
11. Wider Regional Context
Zambia is not alone: South Africa, Botswana, Angola, and Namibia also fielded impressive U‑20 women’s squads. But Zambia’s combination of skill, tactical discipline, and mental resilience set them apart.
12. Conclusion: Zambia’s Legacy Soars
Zambia’s triumph at the 2025 COSAFA U‑20 Women’s Championship redefines their place in regional football:
Dominant: Zero goals conceded, title defended.
Composed: Mature squad exhibiting elite readiness.
Inspirational: A new generation embodying excellence.
As Zambia’s Young Copper Queens return home, they bring with them not only silverware but a promise—a promise that Zambia’s women’s football has arrived and is here to compete on continental and global stages.
📌 Final Takeaway
Zambia’s back-to-back COSAFA U‑20 Women’s titles (2024 & 2025) underscore a potent blend of:
Young talent (Muwowo, Mwanza, Zulu)
Strong coaching frameworks
Resilient and effective youth development
This isn’t just a tournament win—it’s a signal: Zambia’s future in women’s football is bright, bold, and unstoppable.
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