Gaborone United Women and Zesco Ndola Girls played out a tightly contested 0-0 draw in their COSAFA CLW group-stage encounter on 25 August 2026. With a place in the knockout rounds potentially on the line, both teams showed why they are among the rising forces in regional women’s club football.

Match overview

The match was a physical and tactical affair from the very first minute. Gaborone United Women, playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, pushed forward with intent, yet Zesco Ndola Girls defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter-attack. With both sides struggling to carve out clear-cut opportunities, the game developed into a battle of wills, particularly in midfield.

Key moments

• Gaborone United Women came closest in the 33rd minute when a powerful header from a corner was cleared off the line.
• Zesco Ndola Girls had their best sight of goal just after the break, but the striker clipped her shot narrowly wide from 12 yards.
• In the closing stages, both goalkeepers made alert stops to preserve the clean sheet, with the game ending in a deserved share of the points.

Tactical story

Gaborone United Women dominated territorial advantage and forced a series of set-pieces, but Zesco Ndola Girls’ defensive block remained organised throughout. The Zambian side used their pace in wide areas to stretch the play and created several moments of danger in transition. Ultimately, the 0-0 scoreline reflected the fine margins that often decide matches at this stage of the tournament.

Tournament Context

The point leaves both teams in contention to progress from the group stage of the COSAFA Women’s Champions League. Gaborone United Women will take confidence from their defensive solidity and ability to keep a clean sheet under pressure, while Zesco Ndola Girls will be pleased with a resilient away performance. Both sides will know that winning their remaining matches would put their qualification prospects firmly in their own hands.