Red Roses into semifinals on CAF debut
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 21, 2024 12:14
The team is making its debut at the competition hosted in Blantyre, Malawi.
GU had to win against the hosts to book their place in the last four. However, they found themselves behind after just five minutes but Keitumetse Dithebe equalised in the 18th minute. Alephar Chitemba put Ascent Academy ahead in the 30th minute, meaning GU went into the break trailing 2-1.
But William 'Raizor' Monene's charges were quick to respond, finding the back of the net four minutes after resumption through Jessica Maponga. With the match seemingly headed for a stalemate, Laone Moloi popped up with the winner in the 76th minute to send GU to the semifinals. GU were in Group B against Young Buffaloes of Eswatini, Ascent Academy, and UD de Lichinga of Mozambique.
The Red Roses will play Herentals Queens of Zimbabwe in the semifinal on Thursday at midday. In the other semifinal, South Africa's University of Western Cape will face Lichinga. The Mozambican side finished second behind GU. The Red Roses are following in the footsteps of Double Action, the first local team to reach the semifinals and finals of the Champions League qualifier.
Only the winner proceeds to represent the region at the CAF Champions League finals to be held later this year. South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns are the reigning champions.