The South African Under-20s successfully defended their COSAFA Championship crown after defeating hosts Mozambique in the 2026 final.
Raymond Mdaka’s side booked their place in the final after a thrilling 4-2 win over Zambia while Mozambique emphatically dispatched Namibia in their semi-final thanks to a 3-0 win.
After making it to the final, both South Africa and Mozambique successfully qualified for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament which is due to take place in Ghana.
Amajita defeat Mozambique in COSAFA U20 Cup final
Amajita took the lead in the 27th minute through a sensational long-strike by Oarabile Booysen however the lead lasted for just two minutes with the hosts levelling matters in the just before the half-hour mark.
In the 53rd minute, Amajita were handed a golden opportunity to retake the lead via the penalty spot after Emile Witbooi was brought down in the opposition box.
Kaizer Chiefs development star Steven Mendes made no mistake from the spot, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament and subsequently moving back to the summit of the top-scorers charts.
Mozambiqe pushed for another immediate equaliser, and came close twice however Amajita goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba procuded a superb double save to deny them in the 70th minute.
The hosts desperately searched for a goal in the final minutes however it wasn’t to be for them with South Africa walking away with a 2-1 victory to be crowned 2026 COSAFA U20 Championships winners.
The 2027 U20 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Ghana between June and July next year. The COSAFA region will be represented by both South Africa and Mozambique.
Photo: COSAFAMEDIA/X
