Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies open 2026 COSAFA CAFWCL with 8-0 win

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies began the 2026 COSAFA CAFWCL Qualifiers with an 8-0 victory over Nsingizini Hotspurs at Gaborone United Stadium on Friday. The South African champions were already 7-0 ahead by half-time after controlling the opening period.

Lelona Daweti opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing from Isabella Ludwig’s low delivery. Ludwig then added a second two minutes later with a header from a narrow angle, giving Sundowns a quick advantage.

Refilwe Tholakele made it 3-0 in the 16th minute with a low finish into the right-hand corner. Daweti had earlier gone close with a header that was pushed over the crossbar, but she soon made her mark again by scoring twice in two minutes to complete her hat-trick.

Tholakele scored her second from close range in the 30th minute. She completed her own three-goal haul before the interval when she reacted fastest after her initial effort had been saved, sending Sundowns into the break with a six-goal advantage.

The South African side continued to dictate the match after the restart, although the next goal did not arrive until the 76th minute. Sandra Mugwara then found the net to complete the 8-0 scoreline and give Sundowns a decisive start in Group B.

Sundowns’ next assignment is against Mozambique’s Costa Du Sol. They will finish their group schedule against Malawi’s Silver Strikers, with the opening win giving them an early boost before those two fixtures.