Zambia took a step towards the semifinals of the 2021 COSAFA Women’s Championships with a 3-0 Group C victory over Namibia at the Madibaz Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay on Sunday.

The result sets up a winner-takes-all showdown with Uganda on Tuesday for top spot in the pool after the latter defeated Eswatini 5-1 in their clash earlier in the day.

Zambia will only need a draw in that game to advance to the semifinals and having not conceded a goal yet in the competition, might be confident of grabbing the point they need.

Their win on Sunday came courtesy of goals from Margaret Belemu, captain Grace Chanda and Mary Wilombe.

Belemu, who also won Player of the Match, netted a screamer just before halftime to put the Copper Queens in front, with Chanda adding another midway through the second half and Wilombe the third late on.

Uganda kept up their semifinal hopes with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Eswatini, who have seen their chances end following successive defeats.

Uganda, who had been held to a 0-0 draw by Namibia in their opener, led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Joan Nabirye and Riticia Nabbosa, who was named Player of the Match.

Eswatini found a way back into the game when Celiwe Nkambule pulled a goal back on 56 minutes, but three more strikes from Sandra Nabweteme and Hasifah Nassuna (two) made it a comprehensive victory in the end for the East Africans.

Zambia lead the pool with six points, followed by Uganda (four), Namibia (one) and Eswatini (zero).

Soka25east.com