Red Roses net record win to heal old wounds
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 29, 2025 12:18
Just a year ago, Red Roses were left in agony after losing in the final of the same competition, their dream of reaching the continental stage shattered at the last hurdle.
Then, GU Ladies went down in the lottery of a penalty shootout against the University of Western Cape. The team's dreams of reaching the Champions League finals on their debut were shattered.
That heartbreak has now been turned into fuel. Coach William Monene admitted before the tournament that '2024’s heartbreak is now 2025’s motivation', and his charges have lived up to those words on the pitch.
The local champions have played with purpose and precision, sweeping through Group B to book a semi-final showdown with Mozambican giants Costa do Sol tomorrow at noon.
It will be their biggest test yet, but one they approach with belief and momentum.
Their most emphatic statement came on Wednesday when they recorded a jaw-dropping 10–1 demolition of Lesotho’s Kick4Life WFC. The victory remains their biggest in the history of the competition, eclipsing Mamelodi Sundowns' 8-0 win over Comoros side Olympic de Moroni in 2023.
Forward Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse scored five goals, with Jessica Maponga adding four while Desiree Kenyaditswe chipped in with one to complete the rout.
The result sent shockwaves across the region, not only cementing GU’s place in the last four but also placing their performance amongst the most dominant wins in the history of the qualifiers.
GU had begun their campaign with a 1-0 win over Young Buffaloes of Eswatini in the group stage openers.
As they prepare to take on Costa do Sol, the Red Roses know the weight of expectation will be heavier. The Mozambicans bring pedigree and experience, but GU Ladies arrive with the scars of last year and the fire to rewrite the ending this time.
Victory would not only avenge last season’s disappointment but also take Botswana women’s football to new heights, setting up another shot at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
The winner of the semi-final will face either record African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa or Zesco Ndola Girls of Zambia in the final to be played on Sunday.