Ntopwa Super Queens’ journey in the Caf Women’s Champions League / Cosafa Qualifiers came to a sad end following a 4-0 humiliating defeat to Botswana’s Double Action Ladies at Princess Magogo Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Monday.
After raising false hopes in the two opening matches, Ntopwa leaked goals like nobody’s business in their last Group A match.
It was a disappointing performance from Ntopwa, as they were just a pale of their own shadows.
The Amaghetto Queens needed a win to book their first ever Cosafa Qualifiers semi-final appearance but they crashed out of the tournament with an embarrassing defeat.
They finished Group A bottom with one point from three matches, having lost twice and drawn once.
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In all the three matches, Ntopwa scored one goal but conceded six goals.
Action Ladies advanced to the semi-finals of the qualifiers as Group A leaders with seven points from three matches.
Defending champions Green Buffaloes of Zambia also qualified for the semi-finals with seven points following their 2-1 victory over Lesotho Defence Force in another match at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
Ntopwa were behind as early as the eighth minute after Lesego Radiakanyo beat Mercy Sikelo with a powerful shot.
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Oteng Bonang doubled Action Ladies’ lead in the 38th minute of the match.
Ntopwa rarely threatened their opponents in the first half.
After the break, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse increased the lead for Action Ladies from the penalty spot.
However, Radiakanyo hammered the last nail on Ntopwa’s coffin from close range towards the end of the match. It was game over.
However, despite the huge loss, there are some positives from the tournament for the Amaghetto Queens.
Coach James Sangala said he was disappointed with the defeat.
“We did not turn up for the game. The body language was not good in the first 10 minutes. But we have learnt a lot from the tournament,” Sangala said.
Ntopwa were participating in the competition for the first time after winning the 2022 Fam Women’s National Championship.
Meanwhile, sports analyst Parry Chinyama has said there are many positives drawn from the tournament.
“The girls have gained experience. I believe that, come next time, they will do better,’’ he said.
The Amaghetto Queens were also the first team from Malawi to participate in the competition.
