A Lelona Daweti hattrick helped Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies book their ticket to the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA zonal qualifiers as they defeated Young Buffaloes of Eswatini 4-0 on Saturday (2 September 2023).
Striker Andisiwe Mgcoyi scored the other goal.
The victory was the second for the Brazilians, following a convincing 8-0 drubbing of Olympic de Moroni on Thursday (31 August 2023).
Daweti was named Player of the Match.
“We are very excited about the win today, as it was all down to hard work. We thank the coaches for providing us with good information, which we implemented and that helped us. When you convert chances, winning games becomes quite easy. My teammates were also supportive and this award is dedicated to everyone within the team. We aim to carry this momentum into the next game, as we strive for more victories as a united force,” Daweti told her club’s Media Department.
The forward is currently leading the goal scoring charts with three goals in two games, followed by teammate Tiisetso Makhubela and Costa do Sol’s Albertina Pondja, who are both a goal behind.
From the 12 goals they have scored thus far, the Brazilians have nine different scorers: Daweti, Makhubela, Gabonnelwe Kekana, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Miche Minnies, Chuene Morifi, Amanda Mthandi, Boitumelo Rabale and Refilwe Tholakele.
With only the top two teams progressing to the last four, the other Group B spot was taken by Mozambique’s Costa Do Sol – and the two will meet in the final group stages match to determine who finishes top of the table.
The clash will take place on Monday (4 September) at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont, near Durban.
Kickoff is at 15h30.
By Matlhomola Morake
