Polokwane – Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors came agonisingly close to a COSAFA final but were denied by South Africa in a tense penalty shootout at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. The semi-final clash ended 1-1 after regulation time, with South Africa prevailing 4-2 on penalties.
The Mighty Warriors made an explosive start, with Ethel Chinyerere firing them ahead inside the first ten minutes. Fans erupted as Zimbabwe seemed poised to control the match. “What a beauty of a goal!” commentators cried, capturing the moment the Mighty Warriors thought Banyana Banyana had been cornered.
Watch Ethel Chinyerere’s Goal:
South Africa responded in the 38th minute when Nthabiseng Majiya leveled the score. The rest of the first half was fiercely contested, with Zimbabwe displaying courage despite losing captain Nobukhosi Ncube to injury just after the interval. Vice-captain Christabel Katona took over the armband, exemplifying the team’s resilience.
Zimbabwe made multiple substitutions in a bid to edge the game. Zavawanda, Kabera, Mutaurwa, Mupeti, and Dambamuromo were replaced to keep energy high, but the deadlock persisted into stoppage time. Yellow cards were issued to Praynance Zvawanda and Tumbare, showing the physical intensity of the contest.
The penalty shootout proved cruel for Zimbabwe. After both teams scored their first two penalties, the Warriors missed two crucial spot-kicks, allowing South Africa to secure the 4-2 victory. Banyana Banyana captain Sibulele Holweni was named Player of the Match.
Despite the heartbreak, Zimbabwe will regroup quickly. The Mighty Warriors now turn their attention to the 3rd & 4th place playoff against Zambia on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at 12PM CAT at the same venue. Fans are hopeful that the team can finish the tournament on a high note. The two sides drew 1-1 when they met earlier in this competition.
The semi-final showcased the Warriors’ fighting spirit, tactical discipline, and moments of brilliance. While they fell short, the team’s performance reinforced Zimbabwe’s growing stature in women’s football.
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