Red Roses a step closer to history
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday August 24, 2024 06:00
Yesterday, GU advanced to the final of the CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA qualifiers to be played on Sunday at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi. The Red Roses progressed to the final of the regional qualifiers after a 1-0 win over Herentals Queens played at midday. A late goal by winter signing, Jessica Modise was enough to take GU to the final, becoming the second local team to achieve the feat. In the previous edition, former local champions Double Action reached the final but were beaten 2-0 by eventual African champions Mamelodi Sundowns. GU would hope to go a step further than their local rivals as they take on South Africa's University of Western Cape (UWC) in the final to kick-off at 2pm on Saturday.
UWC thumped Eswatini's Young Buffaloes 6-0 in the second semi-final to set-up a showdown with GU. Both sides are in the competition and the final for the first time. The Red Roses remain unbeaten in the competition but did not have the best start as they played to a goalless draw with UD Lichinga of Mozambique. The team's first goal of the tournament was scored in their second match of the qualifiers in the tie against Young Buffaloes as the two teams played to a 1-1 draw. The local champions had to dig deep to walk away as 3-2 winners in the deciding group stage tie against the hosts, Ascent Academy. It was a proud moment for local football as GU finished on top of Group B of the competition. GU could be the first local side to reach the CAF Women's Champions League finals to be played later this year and only the third club from the COSAFA region.