Hosts Mozambique have claimed the last semi-final spot at the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | Cosafa Qualifier. They edged Angola on Fair Play points after both teams finished level on six points, with identical records of nine goals scored and two conceded. This win sets up a rematch against Namibia, who defeated Mozambique 1-0 in the group stage. The semi-finals will take place at ABB Stadium 2 on Friday.
Mozambique and Angola's matches ended with impressive wins for Angola. Jairo Muanha opened the scoring in the sixth minute, and Luís Panda doubled their advantage seven minutes later. Panda completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, and Romano Domingos added a fourth before halftime. Domingos completed the scoring in the 86th minute as Angola finished their campaign with a goal difference of +7.
Despite Angola's strong performance, their record was matched by Mozambique in Group A. The fourth semi-final place was decided on Fair Play points, with Mozambique advancing. They will face Group A winners Namibia in Friday's semi-finals. Namibia had previously defeated Mozambique 1-0 in the group stage.
In Group B, South Africa confirmed top spot with a 2-0 victory over Eswatini. Manelisi Mazibuko opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Milimo Nalumango doubled the advantage nine minutes later. South Africa have now scored seven goals without conceding at the tournament and will take on Zambia in Friday's first semi-final.
Zambia had already secured top spot in Group C with a game to spare but maintained their perfect record with a 3-1 victory over Botswana. Daniel Silubonde gave the Junior Chipolopolo the lead in the ninth minute, but Botswana equalised through Kent Murandu two minutes into the second half. Silubonde restored Zambia's advantage in the 64th minute with his second goal of the game.
Zambia finished with nine points from three matches, having scored eight goals and conceded just once. In the other Group C fixture, Malawi produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Comoros 2-1. However, their six points and +2 goal-difference were not enough to claim the best runner-up spot.
The four remaining teams will now turn their attention to Friday's semi-finals at ABB Stadium 2. The two finalists will secure qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027. South Africa and Zambia meet in the opening fixture at 12h00 CAT in a contest between two unbeaten teams.
Key points
- Mozambique secure final semi-final spot at Cosafa Qualifier with better Fair Play record
- South Africa and Zambia maintain perfect records in group stage
- Semi-finals to take place at ABB Stadium 2 on Friday
