Heartbreak for Banyana Banyana as COSAFA Cup Dreams Fade in Penalty Shootout Against Zambia

In front of a packed crowd at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium, fans rallied behind Banyana Banyana, hoping to see them “Live the Impossible” in their quest for the COSAFA Women’s Championship. Both South Africa and Zambia showcased their skill and resilience, battling fiercely for 90 minutes without a single goal scored. The intensity carried into extra time, with both teams still locked in a scoreless draw, leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Despite their determination, Banyana fell short, conceding a 4-2 loss to Zambia in penalties. Sasol Senior Manager Nozipho Mbatha reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “Banyana Banyana has shown incredible heart and strength in this year’s COSAFA Championships, representing South Africa with pride and determination. While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, their journey inspires us to ‘Live the Impossible.’ At Sasol, we remain committed to supporting this team as they continue to break boundaries and make strides in women’s football. We are proud of their outstanding performance, and we look forward to what the future holds.”