Banyana book COSAFA final spot

Banyana Banyana booked their spot in the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship final after defeating Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties in Polokwane on Friday.

Head coach, Desiree Ellis, made nine changes to the side that drew with Lesotho with goalkeeper Casey Gordon coming in for Dineo Magagula, who had started the last two matches.

South Africa fell behind early, with Ethel Tapiwa Chinyerere capitalising in the 11th minute after spotting Gordon off her line to give Zimbabwe a 1–0 lead.

Banyana responded through a well-worked move, as a Mamelodi Sundowns forward sliced through the defence before calmly slotting past Cynthia Shonga to level matters at 1–1.

With the match deadlocked after regulation time, penalties decided the contest. South Africa held their nerve to win the shootout 4–2 and will now face Namibia in Sunday’s final.

What a victory, What a feeling!!
Sasol Banyana Banyana sails past Zimbabwe 4-2 on penalties#BanyanaBanyana#LiveTheImpossible@SasolinSport pic.twitter.com/IKdXiBhIwA

— Sasol Banyana Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) February 27, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari