South Africa’s Amajita came from behind to beat Zambia 4-2 in a dramatic COSAFA U-20 semi-final in Mozambique, securing their place at the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Zambia started strongly and took the lead in the 28th minute through Duncan Musialela, giving the Young Chipolopolo a 1–0 advantage going into the break.
South Africa came out strongly after the interval and levelled the contest through Quarabile in the 60th minute.
Just two minutes later, Amajita were awarded a penalty, with Steven Mendez stepping up to convert from the spot and put South Africa 2–1 ahead.
Zambia responded and Jonathan Kalimina restored parity in the 76th minute, bringing the Young Chipolopolo back into the contest at 2–2.
The turning point came late in the match when Kalimina was sent off for handball inside the box, with the referee awarding South Africa another penalty.
Mendez once again made no mistake from the spot, converting his second penalty of the match in the 84th minute to complete his brace and restore South Africa’s lead.
Zambia were reduced to ten men and struggled to find another equaliser, while South Africa pushed for the decisive fourth goal.
That goal arrived in stoppage time when Emile Witbooi found the back of the net to seal a 4–2 victory for Amajita.
The result means South Africa advance to the COSAFA U-20 final and, more importantly, secure qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 AFCON in Ghana. The two finalists qualify for the continental tournament.
FULL-TIME
🇿🇦 South Africa 4–2 Zambia 🇿🇲
⚽ Duncan Musialela 28′ — Zambia
⚽ Quarabile 60′ — South Africa
⚽ Steven Mendez 62′ (P) — South Africa
⚽ Jonathan Kalimina 76′ — Zambia
🟥 Jonathan Kalimina — Zambia
⚽ Steven Mendez 84′ (P) — South Africa
⚽ Emile Witbooi 90+’ — South Africa
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