By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-The COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship has just concluded, and what inspiring tournament it was! The tournament, which took place in UJ Soweto Stadium, saw 12 teams from the Southern African region compete for the coveted title. Among these teams was Lesotho, making their debut in the tournament, and they certainly did not disappoint.
The Lesotho Under-17 girls team, also known as Lishoeshoe, was up against some very tough competition throughout the tournament. But amidst all the challenges, they managed to make their mark and bag the silver medal in their first ever appearance at the COSAFA tournament.
Their journey to the finals was not an easy one, with their toughest match being against the strong and dominant Zambia team. The match ended with a score in Zambia’s favor 15-0 Lesotho, but this did not dampen the spirits of the Lesotho team. They showed great resilience and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, and their performance did not go unnoticed.
The COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship is a platform for young girls to showcase their football skills, and this year’s tournament was no exception. The tournament aims to promote and develop the women’s game in the Southern African region, and it has been instrumental in providing opportunities for the growth of women’s football.
The Lesotho team, came into the tournament with determination and a hunger to make their mark. Despite being the underdogs, they managed to hold their own and make a statement on the field. Their performance caught the attention of many football fans, and they became the surprise package of the tournament.
Their journey to the finals saw them defeat teams such as Mozambique and Eswatini, showcasing their abilities and potential as a team. They displayed a great level of team spirit and cohesion, with each player playing their role to perfection. This was evident in their match against Mozambique, where they secured a 0-1 Lesotho, with goals coming from different players in the team.
However, it was their match against Zambia that truly tested their abilities and character as a team. Zambia, who eventually emerged as the winners of the tournament, put up an impressive performance, but the Lesotho team did not give up without a fight. Despite the score- line, they never once let their heads drop and continued to put up a strong fight until the very end.
Their performance against Zambia earned them a lot of praise and respect from football enthusiasts around the region. Many were impressed by their determination and ability to hold their own against a strong team like Zambia. And it was not just their football skills that caught the attention of the viewers, but also their positive attitude on and off the field.
The COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship is not just a tournament for football, but it is also about empowering young girls and providing them with an opportunity to excel in a male-dominated sport. It is a platform that allows girls to break barriers and prove that they too can be successful in the world of football.
Lesotho Under-17 girls team may have lost the final match to Zambia, but their performance throughout the tournament has won the hearts of many. They have shown that with passion, hard work, and determination, anything is possible. And as we look forward to the next edition of the COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship, let us continue to support and encourage these young girls, who are the future of women’s football in the region.