Zambia came from a goal down to thrash Zimbabwe 7-2 and stay at the top of Group C at UJ AW Muller Stadium.
Chedza Khumalo opened the scoring for Zimbabwe with her second goal of the tournament inside 10 minutes with Tatenda Gambiza getting the consolation.
There were three braces for the Copper Princesses, from Mercy Chipasula, who took her goal tally to three goals, Grace Phiri and Masela Sekeseka, while Lweendo Hanongo also contributed to score.
Carol Kanyemba’s side stay at the top of the log with six points with Zimbabwe dropping to third after Botswana defeated Mauritius 6-0 in the other group game played in Soweto.
Shirley Tokonyane, Hope Lesotlo and Amogelang Sebotho scored in the first half to give Botswana a 3-0 lead at halftime with Keotshepile Kesetse adding the goals in the second stanza.
There was also an own goal from jersey number Parissa Merven.Mauritius are at the bottom of the group and the only side without a point in the pool and have the least likely chance to compete to go to the knockout phase.
Day six will see the completion of Group B and C with the host nation South Africa opening the day against Madagascar in Soweto at 9h00 in Group B.
This game will kick-off at the same time as the Group C match between Botswana and Zimbabwe in Auckland Park.
