Sundowns beat Double Action to qualify for CAF Champions League
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have qualified for the CAF Champions League after defeating Double Action Ladies of Botswana 2-0 in the COSAFA qualifiers final on Friday afternoon.
The mouthwatering showdown took place at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, in Durban.
Both sides came into this final in high spirits, having had impressive group stage performances, which saw them clinch the top spot in their respective groups.
Interestingly, the red-hot Brazilians have enjoyed playing against the Botswana-based outfit in the COSAFA qualifiers. Last year, the two clubs played out to a 1-1 draw and the year before, Banyana Ba Style put six past Double Action Ladies.
Jerry Tshabalala’s charges reached the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal qualifier for the third straight year after hammering Zambia’s Green Buffaloes 3-1 this past Wednesday in the tournament’s semi-finals game.
Meanwhile, Double Action Ladies got the better of Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol 2-0.
Banyana Ba Style started the game on a front foot and broke the deadlock as early as five minutes into the showpiece courtesy of Chuene Morifi.
After the goal, the Hollywoodbets Super League defending champions never slowed down, as they continued to take command of the contest.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS LADIES AT THE BREAK
The game went into the interval with the Brazilians leading the Botswana side with a 1-0 scoreline.
After an entertaining first half, it only took Sundowns Ladies eight minutes to add to the scoreline. Thanks to Nonhlanhla Mthandi’s strike.
On the other hand, the Double Action tried to swing back to life when the second period progressed. However, luck was never on their side.
The Brazilians continued to put in a resilient defensive performance to rebuff the efforts of the Botswana-based side’s attackers.
The final whistle blew with Masandawana walking away victorious and reclaiming their COSAFA qualifiers title.
As a result, Sundowns Ladies will represent the COSAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League. The Champions League finals will be held in Ivory Coast in November this year.
RELATED STORY: Jerry Tshabalala on Sundowns Ladies’ new signing