Steven Mendes penalty seals COSAFA U20 Championship glory for Amajita

South Africa’s Amajita won the COSAFA U20 Championship after beating Mozambique 2-1 in Sunday afternoon’s final.

Raymond Mdaka’s side took the title despite Mozambique recovering quickly from conceding first, with a second-half penalty from Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Steven Mendes ultimately proving decisive.

The result completes a successful tournament for South Africa, who secured their place in the final by defeating Zambia on Friday. That victory also confirmed their qualification for the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a competition they won last year for the first time in their history.

Mdaka made two changes to the team that started against Zambia, bringing in Zazi Qotoyi and Cape Town City rising star Emile Witbooi for Matthew Palmer and Sanele Simelane.

South Africa moved ahead in the 27th minute through Oarabile Booysen. The forward, who is currently on loan at the University of Pretoria, produced an impressive long-range effort which gave the Mozambique goalkeeper no chance.

Their advantage lasted only two minutes. Martinho Comecar restored parity for Mozambique with a well-taken finish, ensuring the teams went into the remainder of the match level.

Amajita regained the lead eight minutes after half-time when Witbooi was fouled inside the penalty area. Mendes took responsibility from the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.

Mozambique continued to search for another equaliser and came close with 20 minutes remaining. South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba kept his team in front by making two saves in quick succession.

Mozambique’s task became significantly harder when Militao was dismissed with a straight red card. The defender was punished after a VAR review found that he had stepped on Mendes’ arm.

South Africa managed the closing stages effectively to secure the championship under Mdaka. The victory means Amajita can now turn their attention to defending their CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title.