University of Western Cape (UWC) have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Herentals Queens at Mpira Stadium in Malawi on Monday afternoon.
The Zimbabwe side came into the Group A decider having already qualified with six points from their two matches, while UWC came in as one of two with a chance to advance.
Herentals had a chance to break the deadlock in the opening 11 minutes via a set-piece, but Maudy Mafuruse’s effort brought out a great save from UWC goalkeeper Siphesihle Dlamini.
Four minutes later, Dlamini was almost caught off her line as Polite Mabika aimed a shot towards goal but it sailed over the crossbar.
In the 22nd minute, Herentals had another sniff at goal with a combination play between the troublesome Mafuruse and Mabika, but the latter was let down by her final touch.
The Blues had the chance to break the deadlock in the 44th minute when Bongeka Gamede set up Noxolo Cesane, but the Banyana Banyana striker was denied, as both sides headed for the tunnel locked 0-0 at halftime.
Cesane made up for her earlier miss upon the second-half resumption, putting UWC 1-0 up in the 46th minute, piercing through three defenders to slot past Lindiwe Magwede.
UWC should’ve been 2-0 up two minutes later through Philisa Mjambane but Magwede denied her.
The Western Cape outfit doubled their lead in the 61st minute through Gamede, for her second of the tournament, from Sibulele Holweni’s corner.
Herentals began chasing the game and were inches close to an equalizer as Tumbare Egnes’s 64th-minute thunderous strike came off the crossbar.
In the 81st minute, Alice Moyo pulled one back for the Pink Panthers with an absolute stunner, giving Dlamini no chance.
The event in Blantyre is a maiden one for both UWC and the Queens who finished first and second in the group respectively, ahead of seasoned campaigners Green Buffaloes of Zambia and Ongos FC of Namibia who finished last.
UWC will face the runners-up of Group B who will be decided on Tuesday in the knockout phase.
