Polokwane, South Africa — Zimbabwe’s senior women’s national football team, the Mighty Warriors, have opened their 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign with a confidence-boosting victory, beating Eswatini 2-0 in their Group B opener on Thursday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The win came courtesy of goals from Praynance Zvawanda in the first half and Rutendo Makore after the break.
The result lifts the Mighty Warriors into contention for the knockout rounds alongside defending champions Zambia, who also registered a win on the opening day.
Coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda credited her players’ mental resolve for overcoming fitness challenges after a long domestic off-season. “Getting three points against a team that has been active while we’re just coming from the break is extremely positive,” Sibanda said, adding that the tournament is being used to groom new talent and widen the squad’s experience.
Concerns had been raised in the build-up to the championship over the inactivity and limited match practice with officials acknowledging the team’s lack of competitive games before departure for South Africa.
Despite these concerns, there has been positive discourse within the camp. Earlier in the week, coach Sibanda expressed confidence in the group’s progress and highlighted the integration of younger players into the senior setup.
Group B promises intriguing battles. Defending champions Zambia opened with a 3-0 win over Botswana, placing them and Zimbabwe level on points atop the pool — with Zambia holding a superior goal differential.
The Mighty Warriors’ next fixture is scheduled against Zambia on 22 February at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, followed by a final group match versus Botswana on 24 February at Seshego Stadium.
With just the top teams and the best runner-up advancing from the group stage, Zimbabwe’s remaining matches will be crucial in determining whether the Mighty Warriors progress to the knockout rounds.
