Zimbabwe National Women’s Football team, the Mighty Warriors, failed to make it two COSAFA titles after they fell to a 90th-minute sucker punch from South Africa Captain Leandra Smeda as Banyana Banyana claimed the 2017 COSAFA Women’s Championship crown with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Sunday.

It is South Africa’s fourth title from the five regional championships played, with Zimbabwe the only other side to lift the crown in 2011.

Chrestinah Kgatlana had scored the opener for the South Africans just before halftime, with tournament top-scorer Rutendo Makore equalising with 17 minutes remaining to set up a frenetic finale to the game. 

But when Cpt Smeda popped up to head home Chantelle Esau’s cross at the death, she secured the trophy for her side.

Makore had earlier tested the reflexes of South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini early on with a fearsome drive in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Bulawayo.

Kgatlana and Nkoikoi Mabina also forced fine saves from Zimbabwe goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai.

Kgatlana was named Player of the Tournament, with Makore finishing as the leading scorer and Chido Dzingirai named goalkeeper of the tournament.