Menzi Magubane
It may not mean much to other nations but to Zambia winning the 2022 Women’s Cosafa Cup means a whole lot.
The Chipolopolo Queens managed to redeem themselves against Banyana Banyana who eliminated them in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semi-finals in Morocco two months ago.
Both nations were using fringe players as the regulars remained with their domestic clubs.
Barbra Banda was the star of the competition held in Gqeberha. The 22-year-old scored the only goal that led the Zambians to be crowned Cosafa Cup champions for the first time.
That goal was her 10th of the competition, giving her the top-goalscorer award.
Her header that beat Banyana goalkeeper Dineo Magagula in extra time meant a lot to Banda and her celebration spoke for itself.
Not only did she walk away with the golden boot in the competition but she also took home the player of the tournament award.
Many may remember Banda after she made headlines before the start of the Wafcon early in July.
She was forced to withdraw from Zambia’s squad after her blood tests found high levels of testosterone.
In Gqeberha, the striker was marvellous to watch and made sure as the captain that her team finished the tournament unbeaten.
For Banyana, the defeat will not hurt that much as the players are part of a B-team designed to give head coach Desiree Ellis more options for the future.
Ellis was not leading the team as assistant coach Simphiwe Dludlu was leading the coaching staff.
Image source: @FAZFootball
