By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: CAF.
South Africa retained their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifier title with a 2-1 victory over hosts Mozambique on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Zambia claimed the bronze medal with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Namibia in the third-place play-off, bringing the competition to a close after 22 matches and 73 goals.
Amajita took the lead in the final through Oarabile Booysen with a stunning longe-range strike in the 28th minute, but their advantage lasted just two minutes before Martinho Comecar equalised for Mozambique.
However, Steven Mendes struck the decisive blow from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to restore South Africa’s lead and ultimately secure the title.
It was his sixth goal of the competition, earning the Kaizer Chiefs forward the Golden Boot after he had also scored twice from the spot in South Africa’s 4-2 semi-final victory over Zambia.
Mozambique were reduced to 10 men in added time at the end of the game when Milton Macombe was sent off for a stamp on the arm of Mendes when the latter was on the ground.
Amajita finished with 13 goals scored and just three conceded, having opened the tournament with three consecutive clean sheets before overcoming Zambia and Mozambique in the knockout rounds.
South Africa and Mozambique will now turn their attention to the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027, having secured the two qualification places available to the COSAFA region.