South Africa's Banyana Banyana defeated Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the final of the 2025 COSAFA Women's Championship. Goalkeeper Casey Gordon saved two penalties to secure the victory. They will face Namibia in Polokwane on Sunday.
Banyana Banyana, the South African women's national football team, progressed to the final of the 2025 COSAFA Women's Championship by overcoming Zimbabwe in the semi-final. The match, hosted in South Africa, ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout that South Africa won 4-2.
Zimbabwe took the lead in the 10th minute when Ethel Chinyerere scored a strike from outside the box, beating goalkeeper Casey Gordon. South Africa equalized just before halftime, with striker Nthabiseng Majiya finding the net in the 38th minute. The second half produced no further goals, forcing the decision to penalties.
In the shootout, Majiya, Mokoma, Pila, and October scored for Banyana Banyana. Gordon emerged as the hero, saving two Zimbabwean penalties to ensure advancement. The official account from Sasol Banyana Banyana highlighted the scorers on social media.
Earlier, Namibia upset defending champions Zambia 1-0 in the other semi-final. Banyana Banyana will now meet Namibia in the final scheduled for Sunday in Polokwane. This tournament marks a key regional competition for women's football in southern Africa.
