South Africa’s Amajita have successfully defended their COSAFA U20 Championship title after defeating hosts Mozambique 2-1 in a closely contested final on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The victory at ABB Stadium 1 in Matola completed another impressive tournament for Raymond Mdaka’s young side, who once again showed their quality on the regional stage.
Booysen Gives South Africa the Lead
Amajita made a positive start to the final and eventually broke the deadlock in the 27th minute.
Oarabile Booysen found the back of the net with a long-range effort to give South Africa a 1-0 advantage.
However, Mozambique responded almost immediately.
Just two minutes after South Africa had taken the lead, Martinho Começar equalised for the hosts, bringing the match level at 1-1 and giving the home supporters renewed belief.
The two sides went into the interval level after an entertaining opening half.
Mendes Restores Amajita’s Lead
South Africa regained the advantage in the second half when Steven Mendes converted from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Emile Witbooi was brought down inside the Mozambique penalty area.
Mendes remained composed from the spot and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Amajita 2-1 ahead.
Mozambique continued to push for another equaliser, but South Africa’s defence managed to withstand the pressure as the match entered its closing stages.
Mozambique Reduced to 10 Men
The hosts’ task became even more difficult late in the match when Milton Macumbe was shown a red card following a VAR review.
Despite Mozambique’s attempts to fight back, Amajita maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
The result confirmed South Africa as COSAFA U20 champions once again.
Amajita Make It Three in a Row
The triumph represents South Africa’s third consecutive COSAFA U20 Championship title.
Amajita previously lifted the trophy in 2024 and 2025, and their latest success means they have now dominated the competition across three successive editions.
Their 2026 campaign also ended without defeat, underlining the consistency of Mdaka’s young squad throughout the tournament.
According to tournament statistics, South Africa scored 13 goals and conceded just three across their five matches.
Mendes Finishes as Top Scorer
Steven Mendes played a particularly important role in South Africa’s campaign.
His goal in the final took his tournament tally to six goals, making him the competition’s leading scorer.
His performances provided Amajita with an important attacking threat throughout the tournament.
Amajita and Mozambique Book AFCON Places
The two finalists had already secured their places at the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the COSAFA U20 final.
South Africa will now turn their attention towards the continental tournament in Ghana, where they will look to continue developing a generation of young players capable of making an impact at senior international level.
For now, however, the focus remains on another regional title.
Amajita have once again conquered Southern Africa and can celebrate a third consecutive COSAFA U20 Championship triumph.
Final Score
South Africa U20 (Amajita) 2-1 Mozambique U20
Goals:
27′ Oarabile Booysen (South Africa)
29′ Martinho Começar (Mozambique)
58′ Steven Mendes (South Africa, penalty)
Competition: COSAFA U20 Championship Final
Date: 27 September 2026
Venue: ABB Stadium 1, Matola, Mozambique
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