Malawi women’s football champions Kukoma Ntopwa are not looking for any excuses as they open their 2025 Caf Women’s Champions League /Cosafa Qualifier Group A campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies at UJ Muller Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, this afternoon.
The odds are stacked against Ntopwa as there is a big gulf, in terms of class and quality, between the two sides.
Ntopwa Technical Director Isaac Jomo Osman said he believes that the girls are in high spirits.
“We are underdogs but we are on a serious mission,” Osman said.
The Malawi Women’s champions arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday.
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Osman has experienced players such as Scorchers first choice goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, defender Rose Alufandika and Funny Magombo.
Ntopwa will face Beauties FC from Namibia in their second match at the same venue on Sunday before meeting Zesco Ndola Ladies on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Sundowns Ladies are a powerhouse in Africa, having lifted the continental title in 2021 and 2023.
Experienced goalkeeper Amanda Dlamini admitted that pressure would be on them.
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“This tournament will not be easy. Everyone that plays against us will be at their top A-game,” she is quoted as saying on Super Sport.
Group winners, along with the second best-placed team, will progress to the semifinals of the competition.
The overall champions will qualify for Caf Women’s Champions League finals later this year.
