South Africa’s Under-20 side signed off their COSAFA group campaign with a third straight win, seeing off Eswatini 2-0 at the ABB 1 Stadium to reach the semi-finals unbeaten.
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With qualification already all but secured, coach Raymond Mdaka rotated heavily, handing minutes to a largely fresh XI while keeping just a handful of regulars in place.
It didn’t disrupt the rhythm. Manelis Mazibuko got things moving early with a composed finish from inside the area, before Pirates youngster Milimo Nalumango added a second midway through the first half, drilling home from distance to put the result beyond doubt.
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South Africa were twice awarded penalties late in the second half, only for both to be overturned by the officials following video review. It made no difference to the outcome, with the group stage ending in a flawless record for the defending champions: nine points from nine, seven scored, none conceded.
Up next is a semi-final against Zambia, with a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana the prize for whoever comes out on top.
Photo: COSAFAMEDIA/X
