The HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship is scheduled for October 22 to November 2 in Gqeberha, South Africa, featuring a record 14 teams. South Africa is the most successful team in the tournament’s history with seven titles, Zambia aims to defend its championship win from 2022, and Zimbabwe seeks to overcome recent challenges. Each team’s profile illustrates their unique history and aspirations for the upcoming competition.
The HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship is set to take place in Gqeberha, South Africa, from October 22 to November 2. This year, the tournament boasts a record 14 teams, marking it as the largest women’s international competition on the African continent. Among the participating teams are South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, which have diverse histories and successes in the tournament. South Africa Best finish: Winners (2002, 2006, 2008, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) FIFA Ranking: 50 CAF Ranking: 2 Last five tournaments: 2019 – Winners 2020 – Winners 2021 – Fourth 2022 – Runners-Up 2023 – Group Stages South Africa holds the record with seven championships in the COSAFA Women’s Championship. The team aims to reclaim the title after a three-year hiatus, having achieved notable successes, including the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Historically, South Africa has dominated the COSAFA championships, clinching their first title in 2002 and enjoying a series of strong performances over the years, including a tournament record of 26 wins from 29 matches up to 2011. Their progression to the knockout stages and eventual victories are well-documented, though the last few tournaments have posed challenges, particularly with a recent early exit in 2023. Zambia Best finish: Winners (2022) FIFA Ranking: 62 CAF Ranking: 4 Last five tournaments: 2019 – Runners-Up 2020 – Semifinals 2021 – Third 2022 – Winners 2023 – Runners-Up Zambia emerged as a formidable force in women’s football, having won their first COSAFA title in 2022. They have consistently performed well in the championships, having reached the semifinals in nearly every tournament since 2011, showcasing their growth on the international stage. Their championship win in 2022 was particularly notable as they achieved it by winning all their matches and scoring 14 goals while conceding only one. Zambia’s trajectory has also included participation in significant global tournaments, marking an era of positive development in their women’s football. Zimbabwe Best finish: Winners (2011) FIFA Ranking: 124 CAF Ranking: 18 Last five COSAFA tournaments: 2019 – Third 2020 – Group Stages 2021 – Group Stages 2022 – Did not enter 2023 – Fourth Zimbabwe’s women’s football team made headlines in 2011 by clinching their first championship, experiencing a significant upturn after their impressive run in previous years. They reached the final of the inaugural competition in 2002 but suffered a loss to South Africa. Following a period of struggle, which included failure to advance past the group stages in recent tournaments, Zimbabwe has shown resilience, returning to compete with a solid effort in 2023, finishing fourth after a strong showing in the group stages. The team has a rich history of competitive matches, underpinned by their earlier successes but has faced challenges in maintaining consistency in performances. In summary, as the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship approaches, the competing nations exhibit rich histories and aspirations, with South Africa looking to regain their title, Zambia defending their newfound championship status, and Zimbabwe striving to recapture former glory.
The HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship is an esteemed tournament in Southern Africa, showcasing the continent’s talent in women’s football. Established to promote competitive play among women’s national teams, the championship serves as a platform not only for the participating countries to showcase their skills but also for the development of the sport within the region. This year marks a significant milestone as the tournament features 14 teams, an increase from previous editions, reflecting the growing interest and investment in women’s football in Africa. The profiles of South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe highlight the varying degrees of success and competitive spirit among these nations, with each team possessing a unique narrative regarding their performances and achievements in the championship.
The upcoming HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship in Gqeberha, South Africa, promises to be a significant event in the women’s football calendar, with 14 teams competing for the coveted title. South Africa, with its rich history and record number of championships, aims for a comeback, while Zambia looks to defend its title after a monumental victory in 2022. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, having faced challenges in recent years, seeks to reclaim its competitive edge. The tournament not only showcases the growing prowess of women’s football in Africa but also sets the stage for future developments and opportunities within the sport.
Original Source: cosafa.com
