Mighty Warriors storm into COSAFA Cup Semi-Finals

The Zimbabwe women's national football team booked their place in the Women's COSAFA Cup semi-finals on Tuesday afternoon after edging Botswana 1-0 in their final Group B encounter at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa.

Veteran striker Rutendo Makore proved the difference, netting the decisive goal in the 65th minute to secure a vital victory for the Mighty Warriors. The goal marked her second of the tournament, having also scored in Zimbabwe's opening 2-0 win over Eswatini.

The result followed a hard-fought goalless draw against Zambia on Sunday, ensuring Zimbabwe maintained their unbeaten run in the group stage while sealing progression to the last four.

Zimbabwe finished second in Group B with seven points, level with leaders Zambia women's national football team, who advanced as group winners due to a superior standing. The Mighty Warriors progressed as the best overall runners-up across the three groups, in line with tournament rules that grant semi-final spots to the three group winners and the best-performing second-placed side.

In the semi-finals, Zimbabwe will face seven-time champions South Africa women's national soccer team, who topped Group A. Zambia will take on the winner of Group C, which will be determined following the clash between Mozambique and Madagascar.

With momentum on their side, the Mighty Warriors now stand just two matches away from reclaiming regional glory.