Maurice Kambukwe

Tura Magic Ladies started off their Caf Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifiers on a bad note when they lost 3-0 to Black Rhinos Queens of Zimbabwe at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

Experienced Zimbabwe international Rutendo Makore put her side ahead in the 23rd minute with a superb header from a corner kick. In the second half, Cristobel Katona, who also netted against Zambian outfit Green Buffaloes, got her name on the scoresheet in the 66th minute as Queens gave a forceful display of their potential in the competition.

Two minutes later, Rhinos Queens found the back of the net through Makore as she completed her brace. The victory means Queens have a full haul of six points in Group B and have ensured they will top the pool, while Magic and Buffaloes will fight it out for second place when they meet on Tuesday.

Buffaloes, who lost their opener 2-0 to Queens, will need only a draw in that fixture to advance with a better goal difference. This means Magic Ladies should collect maximum points against the Zambian outfit if they are to advance to the next round of the competition.

The top two teams in each of the groups advance to the semi-finals of the competition, which will be played on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Group A will be finalised today, although Mamelodi Sundowns have already secured top spot in the pool.

-Additional reporting from COSAFA.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na