South Africa's Amajita team has been crowned champions of the Cosafa Under-20 Cup, successfully defending their title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against hosts Mozambique at ABB Stadium in Maputo on Sunday. The win marks their third consecutive title in the tournament, following previous victories in 2024 and 2025. Goals from Oarabile Booysen and Steven Mendes secured the win for Amajita.
The match got off to a lively start, with Amajita dominating early on and showing their intentions of defending their trophy. Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, giving Mozambique goalkeeper Denilson Tembe no chance. However, Mozambique responded immediately through Martinho Começar after a miscommunication between South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba and his defence allowed the Mozambican to slot into an empty net.
Amajita restored their lead two minutes before the hour through Mendes, who slotted from a spot-kick, scoring his sixth goal of the tournament after Emile Witbooi was brought down by Tembe. The South African team did not sit back on their lead and continued to attack, while Mozambique came back strongly in search of an equaliser. Amajita goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba made crucial saves to deny the hosts.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men a minute into added time after Milton Macombe’s dangerous challenge on Mendes saw the player exit. Despite being a man down, Mozambique continued to press for an equaliser, but Amajita remained compact in defence. The South African team finished the tournament without losing a match, conceding only three goals throughout.
Amajita's coach, Raymond Mdaka, had expressed his team's desire to win the tournament for the third successive time. The team's victory also secured their spot in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ghana next year, where they will need to defend their title. The team's performance in the tournament has been impressive, with a strong squad and effective teamwork.
Mozambique had booked their spot in the final after brushing aside Namibia in the semifinals, while Amajita fought gallantly to come from behind and defeat a strong Zambia in the other last-four match. The final match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances throughout.
The win is a testament to the strength and depth of South African youth football, with Amajita's players set to move on to the next level of competition in the Afcon. The team's success will be celebrated by their fans and the South African football community, who have been eagerly following their progress in the tournament.
Key points
- Amajita won the Cosafa Under-20 Cup for the third successive time.
- The team finished the tournament without losing a match.
- Amajita will participate in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana next year.
