This is UWC’s biggest game ever - Thinasonke Mbuli

The two sides meet in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers this afternoon in Malawi with a spot in the final at stake.

The students are in their debut in the tournament, which has been frequented by reigning continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, while their opponents return for the third time since 2022.

"Yes, this is the biggest game for us and remember it’s the knockout phase – no second chance, so we are a little bit nervous because of the stage of the tournament,” said Mbuli from Malawi.

The Banyana Banyana assistant coach says they were totally tested in the first three games and had to dig deep. 

They lost 1-0 against 2022 Champions Green Buffaloes of Zambia in the opening match but bounced back to win their last two group stage fixtures, defeating FC Ongos and Herentals Queens 3-0 and 2-1 respectively.

Now their focus is on the next assignment, and they don’t want to bring the final into the equation.

"We play one game at a time, the following day we forget about the results and focus on the next one. That has been our motto – one game at a time! I also think losing the first match of the tournament helped a lot with that, it kept us grounded," added Mbuli.

After securing their semi-final spot, UWC had a two-day to rest, which gave them a chance to study the opposition.

"The rest was much needed after the three high tempo matches we played, and we were also able to watch Young Buffaloes in action. 

"They are a very good team and if we allow them space can be very dangerous – especially their prolific striker, the number 7, who happens to be their key player.

"We have to be in control and dictate the game for us to win – using high intensity – and that is the plan,” the coach concluded.

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