Namibia secured a spot in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | Cosafa Qualifier after defeating Seychelles 3-0 on Tuesday. The Young Warriors finished top of Group A with nine points from three matches, having scored five goals without conceding. Rashid Naobeb opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by Mateus Ashitenda in the 62nd minute, and Lukas Sakeus sealed the victory 12 minutes from the end.
The win ensures Namibia maintain their 100% record and record a third successive clean sheet. They join Zambia in the semi-finals after the Junior Chipolopolo secured top spot in Group C with a game to spare on Monday. Namibia's perfect campaign in Group A was set in motion with successive 1-0 victories over Mauritius and Mozambique.
Hosts Mozambique also produced an emphatic display as Alírio Cuna scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Mauritius. Cuna's three goals took his tournament tally to five, moving him clear at the top of the tournament's goalscoring charts. Mozambique claimed second place in Group A with six points and a goal difference of +7.
The 12-team competition runs until September 27, with the three pool winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals. The two finalists will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027. Mozambique's six points and healthy goal difference leave them well placed in the race for the fourth semi-final berth.
However, Mozambique must await the conclusion of Groups B and C on Wednesday to determine their fate. The final round of group matches promises plenty of drama as defending champions South Africa seek to protect their lead in Group B. Amajita have six points from two matches following victories over Lesotho and Angola, scoring five goals without conceding.
A draw against Eswatini would guarantee South Africa top spot. Angola, who have three points, meet Lesotho simultaneously. Seychelles finished third in Group A with three points, while Mauritius ended their campaign without a point. Cuna had also scored twice in Mozambique's opening 4-1 victory over Seychelles and has now contributed five of the hosts' nine goals at the tournament.
The semi-finals will feature the top teams from each group, with the best runner-up also advancing. The competition has seen several impressive performances so far, with Namibia and Zambia emerging as strong contenders. The finalists will earn a spot in the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.
Key points
- Namibia completed a perfect Group A campaign with nine points from three matches.
- Mozambique's Alírio Cuna scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory over Mauritius.
- The two finalists will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.
