Zambia U20 Women’s COSAFA Championship 2025: A Triumph of Talent and Tenacity

The 2025 COSAFA U20 Women’s Championship—played as part of the Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek, Namibia from 4–13 July—saw Zambia’s Young Copper Queens reinforce their regional dominance. From group-stage fireworks to semifinal qualification, and ultimately the tournament final, Zambia showcased depth, skill, and remarkable defensive resoluteness. This comprehensive article explores their journey, key performances, tactical nuances, and what this success signals for the future of women’s football in Zambia.

🌍 Tournament Structure & Context

The 2025 edition expanded to include eight teams, split into two groups (A and B), with matches staged at UNAM Sports Stadium and Hage Geingob Stadium(en.wikipedia.org). As reigning champions from 2024, Zambia carried high expectations. Their head coach, Florence Mwila, supported by assistant Charity Nthala, headed a squad rich in U17 graduates and COSAFA alumni—tasked with defending the title and driving toward further continental success(zambianfootball.co.zm).

🏆 Group Stage Domination

Group B Performance

Lined up alongside Angola, Malawi, South Africa, and Eswatini, Zambia topped Group B with authority. Their run included:

Zambia 8–0 Angola (7 July)

A masterclass in attacking play: Blessings Zangose Zulu opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick. Saliya Mwanza followed suit—a spectacular free-kick direct from corner. A brace from Bwalya Namute Chileshe, plus goals from Victoria Mbali and Eunice Bwalya, capped an outstanding 8–0 victory that emphatically secured a semifinal berth(zambianfootball.co.zm).

Zambia 3–0 South Africa (5 July)

Against powerhouse South Africa, Zambia’s adaptability and excellent midfield control earned them a 3–0 win: Ruth Muwowo scored a thunderous long-range goal around the 60th minute, Mwanza added another memorable long strike, and Jessy Zulu coolly converted a late penalty after a handball(cosafa.com).

Zambia 6–0 Botswana (4–5 July)

The Young Copper Queens remained relentless, opening early through Jacqueline Nambeya, with Mwanza, Mary Mbewe, phiri, Muwowo, and an own goal sealing a dominant 6–0 showcase(znbc.co.zm).

Semifinal Qualification

By this stage, Zambia had secured 9 points and an astonishing +17 goal difference, ensuring their place in the semifinals ahead of the final group phase match. Their consistency and resilience epitomized their championship mindset.

⚽ Semifinals & Championship Clinching

Final Group Match: Zambia 1–0 Mozambique (11 July)

Needing just one point to secure the title, Zambia fielded a suitable mix of strategy and caution. They claimed victory late via a Zangose Zulu tap-in in the 31st minute. Though their captain Jessy Zulu exited in the 11th minute due to injury, the team's focus never wavered. This win ensured they retained top spot with a perfect 4-0-0 record, 19 goals scored, and zero conceded(cosafa.com).

🎯 Tactical Brilliance & Key Players

Defensive Discipline

Not conceding a single goal across all four matches showcases phenomenal organization and defensive structure—anchored by goalkeeper Mwila Chishala Mufunte, who won the tournament's Golden Glove award(en.africatopsports.com).

Midfield Magic

Saliya Mwanza earned plaudits as a dynamic force: free-kicks, spectacular solo efforts, and leadership—named tournament's Best Player. Her chemistry with midfield anchor Mary Mbewe provided balance, creativity, and control.

Forward Flair

Sharpshooters Ruth Muwowo, Bwalya Namute Chileshe, Jacqueline Nambeya, and Zangose Zulu delivered goals aplenty. Muwowo finished as joint top scorer with four goals(znbc.co.zm, en.africatopsports.com).

🏅 Awards & Accolades

From the 2024 edition through 2025, Zambia’s youth setups consistently earned recognition:

2024: Zambia won COSAFA U20 Championship with 100% win record, 19–0 goal differential; Blessings Zangose Zulu scored winner vs Mozambique; Mufunte, Muwowo, and Mwanza secured Golden Glove, Golden Boot, and Best Player respectively(en.wikipedia.org, zambianfootball.co.zm).
2025: Reaffirmed regional dominance with another unbeaten triumph.

🌟 Player Spotlights

Saliya Mwanza

A midfield maestro whose set-piece prowess, work rate, and leadership stood out throughout both tournaments(en.wikipedia.org). Her free-kicks shaped Zambia’s attacking narrative in 2025.

Ruth Muwowo

With a powerful right foot and clutch finishing, Muwowo scored pivotal goals—including that long-range dart vs South Africa and multiple doubles(cosafa.com).

Blessings Zangose Zulu

The dead-ball specialist ended both tournaments with iconic free-kick goals—vital contributors to Zambia’s title clinches.

🧠 Coaching & Development Strength

Under Charles Haalubono (2024) and Florence Mwila/Charity Nthala (2025), Zambia’s U20 women thrived in technical, tactical, and mental frameworks. The seamless integration of U17 graduates—13 selected in 2024—including Zangose, Muwowo, Mwanza, demonstrates FAZ's effective youth pathway(en.wikipedia.org).

📈 Implications for Zambia Women’s Football

Strengthened Pipeline: Success reveals depth at U17 and U20 levels—feeding into senior national teams.
Confidence Building: Back-to-back championships embolden players for continental qualifiers, U20 Women’s AFCON, and future World Cup campaigns.
Attraction of Resources: Institutional acclaim (via FAZ, media) could yield improved facilities and sponsorship.
Championing Representation: These performances spotlight women’s football and inspire the next generation in Zambia.

🔮 What's Next?

CAF U20 AFCON & World Cup Qualification: Zambia's 2025 dominance sets a strong stage for continental aspirations.
Professional Pathways: Scouts may now eye talent like Muwowo, Mwanza, and Zangose, following stars such as Fridah Mukoma, who already plays abroad in China and is bound for Kansas City Current in the NWSL(en.wikipedia.org).
Scaling Programs: Expect raised standards in youth coaching, youth leagues, and nationwide talent ID.

📝 Final Thoughts

The Young Copper Queens have redefined U20 women's football in COSAFA: unbeaten, defensively solid, offensively lethal, and tactically mature. Their 2025 title defence not only cements legacy but also sets a vision for their rise on Africa’s biggest stages. As these young stars step up, Zambia’s future on the African and global football stage shines brighter than ever.

📌 References

COSAFA official tournament reports (cosafa.com)
Match recaps from ZamFoot and PanAfrica Football (zambianfootball.co.zm)
Squad info and player honors via AfricaTopSports and Wikipedia (en.africatopsports.com)

Let me know if you’d like detailed tactical breakdowns, player interviews, or exclusive infographics!