Amajita complete third straight Cosafa U/20 Cup triumph

Amajita retained the Cosafa U/20 Cup after overcoming 10-man Mozambique 2-1 in a closely contested final at ABB Stadium in Matola on Sunday.

Oarabile Booysen and Steven Mendes scored the goals that secured South Africa’s third consecutive title, following previous successes in 2024 and 2025.

Raymond Mdaka’s side had already secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), but added another regional trophy before travelling to Ghana next year. They will also be required to defend their Afcon title at that tournament.

Mozambique reached the final by defeating Namibia in the semi-finals, while Amajita had to recover from behind to beat a strong Zambia side in the other last-four tie.

South Africa completed the competition unbeaten and conceded only three goals. Zambia scored twice against them, while Mozambique’s final equaliser accounted for the other goal.

Amajita made the brighter start in Matola, controlling the early stages and making their intention to retain the trophy clear. Their pressure produced the opening goal three minutes before the half-hour mark, when Booysen struck superbly from outside the penalty area.

The effort gave Mozambique goalkeeper Denilson Tembe no opportunity to make a save, but the hosts responded almost immediately.

A misunderstanding between South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba and his defence left an empty net for Martinho Comecar to find, bringing Mozambique level. Energised by the home support, the hosts ended the first half as the stronger team.

Amajita regained the advantage two minutes before the hour mark when Steven Mendes converted from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after Tembe brought down Emile Witbooi, with Mendes scoring his sixth goal of the tournament.

Rather than retreat after moving back in front, South Africa continued to attack. Mozambique, however, created opportunities of their own, with Mazhamba producing an outstanding performance to keep the hosts from scoring again.

Mozambique increased the pressure as they searched for another equaliser, but Amajita defended in a compact shape and preserved their lead.

The hosts’ task became more difficult later in the second half when Milton Macombe was sent off following a dangerous challenge on Mendes, leaving Mozambique with 10 players.

South Africa held on to complete another successful defence of the Cosafa U/20 Cup and maintain their perfect record in the competition over the past three editions.