Head coach of the Brave Gladiators, Lucky Kakuva, is confident his side will deliver a strong performance as they take on old rivals, the Zambia women’s national football team, in the semi-final of the Cosafa Women’s Championship today at 12h00 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Namibia secured their place in the knockout stages after navigating a fiercely contested Group C, finishing level on three points with both Mozambique women’s national football team and Madagascar women’s national football team, but advancing thanks to a superior goal difference.
The Gladiators opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Mozambique, then narrowly fell 1-0 to Madagascar in their second match. In the final group fixture, Mozambique defeated Madagascar 2-0, leaving all three teams tied on points. Namibia’s one goal difference proved decisive, booking them a semi-final clash with the defending champions.
Kakuva praised his team’s balance, saying, “We performed very well in our first match, and although we didn’t reach the same level against Madagascar, we showed a balanced defence and attack by scoring two goals and conceding only one. Our girls are determined to give their all against Zambia, and I am confident we will rise to the occasion.”
“We will play to our strengths. Football is unpredictable, but the mood in the camp is positive, and the team is focused on delivering a strong performance against a tough opponent.”
The second semi-final will see hosts South Africa take on the Zimbabwe women’s national football team at 15h00, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase of the championship.