Amajita Retain COSAFA Title with Win Over Mozambique
South Africa successfully defended their COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship title after beating hosts Mozambique 2-1 in a closely contested final at the ABB Stadium in Matola on Sunday.
Around 18,000 supporters watched the final, with Mozambique pushing South Africa throughout the contest. The result means Amajita finished the tournament unbeaten and secured back-to-back regional titles.
Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring with a well-struck effort before Martinho Começar brought Mozambique level.
South Africa regained the lead from the penalty spot through Steven Mendes, who finished the tournament with six goals to claim the Golden Boot.
The victory also secured South Africa and Mozambique qualification for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana next year, as the two finalists earned the COSAFA region’s available places.
Mendes leads the way
Mendes’ six goals made him the tournament’s top scorer, finishing one ahead of Mozambique forward Alírio Cuna, who scored five.
Cuna did, however, take home the Player of the Tournament award.
South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Namibia received the Fair Play Award.
Unbeaten campaign for Amajita
South Africa’s route to the title included five victories:
- South Africa 3-0 Lesotho — Mendes (2), Teboho Mlangeni
- South Africa 2-0 Angola — Lazola Maku, Mendes
- South Africa 2-0 Eswatini — Manelis Mazibuko, Milimo Nalumango
- South Africa 4-2 Zambia — Mendes (2), Booysen, Emile Witbooi
- South Africa 2-1 Mozambique — Booysen, Mendes
Amajita scored 13 goals and conceded three across the tournament.
Coach Raymond Mdaka highlighted the team’s ability to handle the pressure of a final played in front of a large home crowd.
“It was a very tough game… tournaments like these need that character and mentality.”
South Africa’s successful title defence continues a strong run at the regional tournament, while the focus now turns towards the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, where both Amajita and Mozambique will represent COSAFA.
