Sensational forward Linda Motlhalo grabbed a hattrick to help South Africa book their spot in the semifinals of the 2018 COSAFA Women's Championship.

 South Africa put six goals past Malawi to reaffirm their intention of retaining their crown on home soil, with Motlhalo leading the charge for coach Desiree Ellis' team.

The US-based player put Banyana Banyana ahead after 11 minutes, benefiting from a pass by Thembi Kgatlana before firing home on the edge of the box.

Khanyi Xesi added a double and moments later, Kgaelebane Mohlakoana got on the scorer-sheet after the Malawian defence failed to deal with a cross and gave the South Africans a 4-0 lead at half time.

After the break, Motlhalo finished off a brilliant performance with two late strikes as she became a top-joint scorer with her teammate Xesi and Mpeh Bissong of Cameroon with three goals.

Zimbabwe's hopes of making it to the last four was left hanging on the balance after they suffered a 2-1 loss to Uganda whose keeper Ruth Aturo was outstanding during the encounter.

The Ugandans took a two-lead after the break thanks to Juliet Nalukenge and skipper Tracey Akiror who nodded home after Zimbabwe shot-stopper Chido Dzingirai miscalculated a cross.

Although, Rutendo Makore halved the score in the closing stage of the game, it meant nothing as Uganda held onto to win, which sealed their passage to semifinals.

With six points and +3 goal-difference, Zimbabwe will hope that Cameroon loses to Lesotho on Tuesday in their final group clash to stand a chance of qualifying to the next round.

Elsewhere, Lina Latuta scored twice, Kylie van Wyk and Lovisa Mulunga added a goal each to inspire Namibia to a 4-1 win over Swaziland, with Celiwe Nkambule netting a consolatory goal for the Swazis.

Botswana played goalless with Madagascar in their last Group A match and amass four points from three outings, though, they failed to secure a semifinal berth.

The Group stages of the competition will be rounded off on Tuesday when Zambia face off against Mozambique and Cameroon file out with Lesotho.

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