South Africa reach COSAFA U20 semi-finals with victory over Eswatini

South Africa’s U20 side secured a place in the COSAFA Championships semi-finals by beating Eswatini 2-0 at the ABB Stadium in Matola, Mozambique, on Wednesday afternoon.

The result saw coach Raymond Mdaka’s Amajita finish top of Group B with a perfect nine points from three matches. They scored seven goals during the group stage and did not concede.

The two finalists will automatically qualify for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

South Africa took the lead in the 25th minute when Manelis Mazibuko converted after sustained pressure had finally opened up the Eswatini defence.

That breakthrough gave Amajita greater momentum, and they doubled their advantage eight minutes later. Defender Milimo Nalumango scored in the 33rd minute to put South Africa firmly in control.

Mdaka made six changes to the team that defeated Angola on Monday. Nalumango, Sanele Simelane, Joshua Taylor, Kgomotso Madiba, Will Henson and Ukhonaye Magele were all brought into the starting line-up.

Takalani Mazhamba, Egan Freese, Cayden Fortune, Lazola Maku and Mazibuko were the only players retained from the side that began the Angola match.