South Africa sealed their place in the semifinals of the 2018 COSAFA Women's Championship on Monday, but there was no such joy for Zimbabwe as they were edged to top spot in Group C by East African guest nation Uganda.
Zimbabwe will face an anxious wait to see if they will qualify for the semifinals as best-placed runner-up, though they would need an unlikely set of results to go their way.
South Africa were dominant in their 6-0 victory over Malawi, with coach Desiree Ellis playing the Houston Dash trio of Janine van Wyk, Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana. For Van Wyk is was a 150th international appearance, extending her record as the most capped player from Africa of all time.
The hosts took the lead on 11 minutes when Kgatlana teed-up Motlhalo on the edge of the box and the latter fired home with a pinpoint shot.
Khanya Xesi moved to joint top of the scorers charts with a brace, the first taking advantage of a mix-up at the back for Malawi, and the second an easy tap-in after she was set-up by Kgaelebane Mohlakoana, who had grabbed a goal of her own just after halftime with a shot after Malawi had failed to clear a cross.
Motlhalo capped a superb individual display with two late goals, the first again set up by the pacey Kgatlana, as she joined Xesi and Cameroon's Mpeh Bissong at the top of the scorers charts.
Botswana played to a 0-0 draw with Madagascar in their final Group A game, which saw them move to four points but go out of contention for a semifinal place.
Uganda sealed a surprise 2-1 win over last year's beaten finalists Zimbabwe, with the latter missing numerous chances and being denied by the brilliance of opposing goalkeeper Ruth Atoru.
Uganda took the lead in the second half as Juliet Nalukenge was allowed too much space in the box and was able to turn and bundle the ball home. The Ugandans doubled that advantage when Zimbabwe goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai failed to collect a cross and captain Tracey Akiror headed home a second.
Makore grabbed a lifeline for Zimbabwe when she bundled home at the back post following Mavis Chirandu's corner, but it proved too little, too late.
Zimbabwe have six points from their three matches with a +3 goal-difference, and they will hope that guest nation Cameroon don't defeat Lesotho in their final match on Tuesday as they already are on +6 after their thumping 8-1 success over Mozambique earlier in the competition.
In the other match in the pool, Namibia thumped Eswatini 4-1 to finish in third. Lina Katuta grabbed a brace, while there were also goals for Kylie van Wyk and Lovisa Mulunga. Celiwe Nkambule grabbed a consolation for Eswatini, her second of the tournament, but they leave the competition with three defeats.