South Africa’s Under-20 men’s national team, Amajita, produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Zambia 4-2 in a thrilling COSAFA U-20 semi-final on Friday.
The victory at ABB 1 Stadium sends the defending champions through to the tournament final and, more importantly, officially secures their place at the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The result keeps Amajita’s hopes of successfully defending their regional crown firmly alive.
Zambia Strike First
Amajita started brightly and had an early opportunity to break the deadlock when Manelis Mazibuko beat the Zambian offside trap, only for the goalkeeper to deny him.
Zambia gradually grew into the contest, with South African goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba called upon to make several important saves.
The pressure eventually told in the 30th minute.
Following a dangerous corner, Duncan Musialela rose highest above the South African defence and powered a header into the back of the net to give the Young Chipolopolo a 1-0 lead.
Amajita struggled to find their usual rhythm for the remainder of the opening half, with Zambia maintaining their advantage going into the break.
Witbooi Changes the Game
South Africa returned for the second half with renewed purpose, and the introduction of highly-rated playmaker Emile Witbooi proved to be a major turning point.
The youngster immediately brought greater creativity and attacking intensity to Raymond Mdaka’s side.
Just after the hour mark, Amajita were awarded a penalty following a lapse in the Zambian defence.
Steven Mendes stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting to bring South Africa level at 1-1.
It was Mendes’ fourth goal of the tournament.
Two minutes later, Amajita completed their turnaround.
Oarabile Booysen unleashed a powerful effort that flew into the back of the net, putting South Africa 2-1 ahead and completely changing the momentum of the semi-final.
Zambia Fight Back
Despite falling behind, Zambia refused to surrender.
The Young Chipolopolo continued to push forward and eventually found their reward, scrambling home an equaliser to make it 2-2 and set up a dramatic final 15 minutes.
With both teams fighting for a place in the final and a coveted ticket to the 2027 AFCON, the tension inside ABB 1 Stadium continued to rise.
Then came another decisive moment.
With just five minutes remaining, Jonathan Kalimina was sent off after handling the ball inside the penalty area, with the referee awarding South Africa another penalty.
Once again, Mendes took responsibility.
And once again, he delivered.
The forward calmly converted from the spot to restore Amajita’s lead at 3-2, completing his penalty brace and taking his tournament tally to five goals.
Witbooi Seals a Famous Victory
With Zambia reduced to 10 men and pushing forward in search of another equaliser, South Africa found space on the counterattack.
Deep into stoppage time, Emile Witbooi put the result beyond doubt with a moment of individual brilliance.
The talented youngster weaved his way through the Zambian defence before calmly slotting the ball between the legs of the advancing goalkeeper in the 95th minute.
It was the perfect finish to a remarkable second-half performance as Amajita completed a stunning 4-2 victory.
Amajita One Game Away From Glory
The comeback victory means Amajita have reached the COSAFA U-20 final and will now have the opportunity to defend their regional title.
More importantly, their place in the final guarantees South Africa qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, with the two COSAFA finalists earning qualification to the continental tournament.
South Africa will face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Mozambique and Namibia in Sunday’s final.
After overcoming Zambia in spectacular fashion, Amajita are now just one victory away from another COSAFA U-20 championship triumph.
