The semifinal picture at the TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 | COSAFA Qualifiers is starting to take shape — and Group A has delivered its two qualifiers.
Mozambique thrashed Eswatini 4-0 to claim top spot in the pool, while Comoros edged hosts Zimbabwe 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Both teams finish on seven points, with Mozambique leading on goal difference, but Comoros advancing as the best runner-up across the groups.
Mozambique Leave It Late, Then Run Riot
It took an hour to break Eswatini’s resistance, but once Chauson Nhabanga volleyed home, Mozambique turned on the style.
- Kristff Machava doubled the lead before Marcos Lazaro netted twice — a towering header and a low finish — to seal the 4-0 win and first place in Group A.
Comoros Silence the Hosts
In the other fixture, Zimbabwe’s hopes of sneaking through ended in heartbreak. Kais Ali opened the scoring for Comoros, before a thunderbolt equaliser from Tadiwe Chakuchichi and an own goal flipped the game in Zimbabwe’s favour.
But Comoros showed resilience — Fasifdine Ahamada levelled in the 76th minute before Mathis Ali grabbed the winner just minutes later. The 3-2 result secured their historic semifinal qualification.
What’s Next?
- Group B will be settled on Tuesday with a blockbuster clash between South Africa and Malawi. Both sides are perfect with six points, but South Africa’s superior goal difference means a draw will be enough for the Amajimbos.
- Group C already has Angola confirmed as winners after back-to-back 5-0 wins. They face Mauritius in their final group game.
Snapshot: Group A Wrap
📌 Qualified: Mozambique (7 pts, GD +5), Comoros (7 pts, GD +4, best runner-up)
❌ Eliminated: Zimbabwe (1 pt), Eswatini (1 pt)
Group A Final Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mozambique ✅ | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 7 |
| Comoros ✅ | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 7 |
| Zimbabwe ❌ | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
| Eswatini ❌ | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | -7 | 1 |
⚽ Top Group A Scorers:
- Marcos Lazaro (Mozambique) – 2
- Chauson Nhabanga (Mozambique) – 1
- Kristff Machava (Mozambique) – 1
- Kais Ali (Comoros) – 1
- Fasifdine Ahamada (Comoros) – 1
- Mathis Ali (Comoros) – 1