GABORONE, Botswana – The group stage draw for the CAF Women’s Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier Botswana 2026 took place in Gaborone on Tuesday, August 4, establishing the pathways for eight teams vying for a place in the continental finals. The regional qualifiers are scheduled to run from August 20 to 29, promising a competitive battle for supremacy.
The draw divided the participating clubs into two groups, each featuring four teams. Group A comprises hosts and defending champions Gaborone United Ladies from Botswana, Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls, Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens, and Lesotho Defence Force. Group B features South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, Nsingizini Hotspurs from Eswatini, and Malawi’s Silver Strikers.
Group A immediately presents a compelling narrative with a rematch of the 2025 final between Gaborone United Ladies and ZESCO Ndola Girls. Gaborone United secured the 2025 title by overcoming ZESCO Ndola Girls in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. The Botswana side will also benefit from home-ground advantage and features the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, who netted seven goals in the 2025 edition, including five in a single match.
Mamelodi Sundowns, two-time winners of the COSAFA Qualifiers in 2021 and 2023, and two-time continental champions, headline Group B. The South African powerhouse will be keen to rebound from their semi-final exit against ZESCO Ndola Girls in the 2025 tournament. Sundowns are recognized as the highest-ranked side over the last three editions of the competition.
Other notable contenders include Costa do Sol, who have consistently performed, securing a third-place finish in 2023 and reaching the semi-finals in 2025. Herentals Queens, semi-finalists in 2024, will also aim to make a significant impact in Group A. Lesotho Defence Force will make their third appearance, seeking to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.
The tournament also welcomes two debutant teams: Nsingizini Hotspurs, becoming the third club from Eswatini to participate, and Silver Strikers, the third representative from Malawi. Their inclusion underscores the expanding reach and growing competitiveness of women's football in the COSAFA region.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the ultimate winner earning the right to represent the COSAFA region at the prestigious CAF Women's Champions League continental finals later in the year. Botswana is hosting the qualifiers for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the nation as the third country to stage the event.
This article was generated with the help of AI. Learn more.
