Amajita Retain COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship Title After Victory Over Mozambique

A determined Amajita side successfully defended their COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship title after defeating a spirited Mozambique 2-1 in a thrilling final at the ABB Stadium in Matola on Sunday. South Africa secured back-to-back regional titles despite facing a passionate home crowd of about 18 000 supporters who created an intense atmosphere throughout the contest. Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring with a stunning strike that gave the Mozambique goalkeeper no chance. Mozambique responded through Martinho Começar, but Steven Mendes settled the final from the penalty spot to seal another major achievement for the South African under-20 national team. The victory also extended Amajita’s unbeaten record in the competition and confirmed their status as COSAFA U20 champions for another two-year cycle.

South Africa entered the final with confidence after an impressive run through the tournament, but Mozambique presented a difficult challenge on home soil. Amajita had already secured victories over Lesotho, Angola, Eswatini and Zambia before meeting Mozambique in the final. The South Africans won their opening three group matches by clean sheets, beating Lesotho 3-0, Angola 2-0 and Eswatini 2-0. They then produced a 4-2 victory over Zambia in the semi-final to book their place in the title decider. The final required another strong performance from the young South African squad, particularly with the home crowd firmly behind Mozambique.

Head coach Raymond Mdaka made two changes to the starting team that defeated Zambia in the semi-final. Crowd favourite Emile Witbooi returned to the side, while Zazi Qotoyi was also brought into the starting lineup. Matthew Palmer and Sanele Simelane made way for the changes as Mdaka adjusted his team for the decisive encounter. The selection proved significant as Witbooi went on to receive the Player of the Match award after another influential performance. His contribution formed part of a collective effort that helped Amajita withstand the pressure of playing in a packed stadium.

The final was closely contested, with both teams showing the determination expected from a championship decider. Booysen provided South Africa with a moment of individual brilliance when he produced a spectacular finish that left the Mozambique goalkeeper with no chance. The home side refused to surrender and found an equaliser through Martinho Começar. With the scores level at 1-1 at half-time, the match remained finely balanced and Mozambique continued to draw energy from the large home support. South Africa eventually regained the advantage when Steven Mendes converted from the penalty spot, giving Amajita the decisive 2-1 lead.

The half-time interval itself became an unusual feature of the final as the break was delayed for close to half an hour. Safety measures had to be put in place while home supporters continued streaming into an already packed venue. The situation highlighted the huge interest surrounding Mozambique’s appearance in the regional final and added another layer of pressure to an already demanding match. Amajita had to remain focused despite the interruption and the atmosphere inside the stadium. Their ability to maintain concentration during the extended break contributed to their eventual success.

Mendes played a central role in South Africa’s championship campaign and finished the competition as its leading scorer. His penalty in the final took his tournament tally to six goals. That total earned him the Golden Boot ahead of Mozambique forward Alírio Cuna, who finished with five goals. Mendes scored twice against Lesotho, once against Angola and twice against Zambia before finding the net again in the final. His six goals provided an important attacking contribution throughout Amajita’s unbeaten campaign.

South Africa’s road to the final demonstrated their consistency across the tournament. They opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho, with Mendes scoring twice and Teboho Mlangeni adding the other goal. Amajita then defeated Angola 2-0 through goals from Lazola Maku and Mendes. Their third group-stage victory came against Eswatini, with Manelis Mazibuko and Milimo Nalumango finding the net in another 2-0 win. The semi-final against Zambia produced a more open contest, with South Africa eventually winning 4-2 through two goals from Mendes plus strikes by Booysen and Witbooi.

South Africa completed the tournament without suffering a defeat, repeating the unbeaten achievement from the previous edition. Across their five matches, Amajita scored 13 goals and conceded only three. Their defensive record helped goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba earn the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Mazhamba’s award reflected the strength of a South African team that combined attacking efficiency with defensive discipline. The combination of Mendes’ goals and Mazhamba’s performances provided two important individual highlights in a championship-winning campaign.

For Mozambique, the final represented a major achievement despite the disappointment of losing on home soil. The team pushed South Africa throughout the match and had the support of a huge crowd at the ABB Stadium. Cuna capped Mozambique’s impressive tournament with the Player of the Tournament award after scoring five goals. His performances provided one of the key individual stories of the competition and helped Mozambique reach the final. Although the hosts had to settle for silver medals, their progress to the title decider secured an important qualification outcome for the country.

South Africa and Mozambique had already secured qualification for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the COSAFA final. The two teams will represent the COSAFA region at the continental tournament scheduled to take place in Ghana next year. Their qualification gives both nations an opportunity to test their young players against the strongest under-20 teams from across Africa. For Amajita, the continental tournament will provide another stage on which this group can build on its regional success. The back-to-back COSAFA titles give the South African squad a strong platform as preparations turn toward the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mdaka placed particular emphasis on consistency after the final, pointing to the importance of maintaining winning performances when talented players receive adequate preparation and opportunities. He also credited the players and supporters for their contribution to retaining the trophy. The coach highlighted the mental side of tournament football, explaining that the team works on more than technical and tactical qualities. According to Mdaka, players must also develop the character and mentality needed to handle difficult situations during matches. The final against Mozambique provided a clear test of those qualities as Amajita dealt with a strong opponent, a packed stadium and an extended half-time interruption.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan also congratulated the team after the championship victory. He praised HOD Solly Mkhabela, Mdaka, the technical team and the players for their achievement. The result gives South African football another regional title at youth level and strengthens the record of Amajita in the COSAFA U20 competition. South Africa now returns home with the championship trophy, the Golden Boot and the Golden Glove, while Mozambique takes the Player of the Tournament award through Cuna. Namibia also received the Fair Play Award at the tournament.

Amajita are scheduled to return to South Africa on Monday, 28 September 2026, following their successful title defence in Mozambique. The team is expected to land in Johannesburg at around 08h30 in the morning. Their return will mark the end of a tournament in which they remained unbeaten across all five matches. South Africa scored 13 goals during the competition and conceded just three, underlining the balance within the squad. With the COSAFA U20 title retained and CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification secured, the players now have another opportunity to develop on a larger continental stage.

Amajita’s 2-1 victory over Mozambique completes another successful COSAFA U20 Men’s Championship campaign for South Africa. Booysen’s outstanding strike and Mendes’ decisive penalty provided the goals that delivered the trophy, while the team’s defensive performances helped Mazhamba claim the Golden Glove. Mendes finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, while Mozambique’s Cuna was recognised as Player of the Tournament. The unbeaten campaign also continues Amajita’s strong regional run after they won the previous edition two years earlier. With back-to-back COSAFA titles secured, South Africa can now turn its attention to the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana and the next stage of this promising generation’s development.