Staff Reporter
SOUTH AFRICA and Mozambique have secured the two TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification places allocated to the COSAFA region after reaching the final of the regional tournament in Mozambique.
Namibia was recognised with the Fair Play Award for its conduct throughout the COSAFA tournament. The award recognises sportsmanship, discipline, respect and positive conduct on and off the pitch, with Namibia having topped its group with three wins and no goals conceded before finishing fourth overall.
South Africa retained the COSAFA U-20 title after defeating hosts Mozambique 2-1 in Sunday’s final, while Zambia claimed third place with a 3-0 victory over Namibia in the earlier play-off.
Photos: COSAFA
The results confirmed South Africa and Mozambique as the COSAFA representatives at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.
South Africa completed a perfect tournament with five wins from five matches. Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Mozambique’s Martinho Comecar equalised two minutes later.
Steven Mendes restored South Africa’s lead from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to secure the title. His sixth goal of the tournament earned him the Golden Boot.
Mozambique finished runners-up after a strong knockout-stage run, having recovered from a 1-0 group-stage defeat to Namibia.
The hosts defeated Namibia 3-0 in the semi-final, with Comecar, Diego Pelembe and Hissen Socrate scoring, before losing to South Africa in the final.
Namibia’s campaign ended with a fourth-place finish after successive 3-0 defeats to Mozambique in the semi-final and Zambia in the third-place play-off.
Zambia secured the bronze medal through goals from Gift Mumbi in the 42nd minute and Sipho Muntanga in the 62nd and 90+1st minutes.
Namibia had entered the knockout stage unbeaten and without conceding a goal. However, the Young Brave Warriors were unable to secure one of the two continental qualification places.
Mozambique’s Alírio Cuna was named Player of the Tournament, while South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba received the Golden Glove.
The COSAFA tournament concluded after 22 matches, with 73 goals scored.
South Africa and Mozambique will now represent the COSAFA region at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.
