Steven Mendes produced another decisive performance for Amajita on Sunday, scoring the winning goal as South Africa defeated Mozambique 2-1 in the COSAFA U20 Championship final.
The Kaizer Chiefs youngster stepped up when his country needed him most, converting from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to restore South Africa’s lead and ultimately secure another regional title.
Mendes’ contribution capped an outstanding individual tournament and helped Amajita complete an unbeaten campaign in Mozambique.
Mendes Steps Up in the Final
South Africa entered the final looking to defend their COSAFA U20 crown, but the hosts made life difficult for Raymond Mdaka’s side.
Oarabile Booysen opened the scoring with a long-range effort, but Mozambique quickly responded through Martinho Começar to make it 1-1.
With the final finely balanced, Amajita needed someone to produce a moment of quality.
That moment came in the 58th minute.
After Emile Witbooi was fouled inside the penalty area, South Africa were awarded a penalty. Mendes took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted to put Amajita back in front.
His penalty proved to be the decisive goal of the final.
Six Goals and the Golden Boot
Mendes’ goal against Mozambique was his sixth of the tournament, making him the leading scorer of the 2026 COSAFA U20 Championship.
His performances throughout the competition played an important role in South Africa’s successful title defence.
The official COSAFA tournament report confirms that Mendes finished ahead of Mozambique’s Alírio Cuna, who ended the competition with five goals.
The South African youngster was subsequently rewarded with the Golden Boot.
A Decisive Contribution in the Knockout Stages
Mendes was particularly influential when the pressure increased.
In the semi-final against Zambia, he scored twice from the penalty spot as Amajita came from behind to win 4-2 and book their place in the final.
He then followed that performance with the winning goal against Mozambique, giving him three goals across the two knockout matches.
That ability to contribute at crucial moments made Mendes one of the key attacking figures in South Africa’s successful title defence.
Amajita Complete Perfect Tournament
Mendes’ winning goal helped Amajita finish the tournament with a perfect record.
South Africa won all five of their matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three.
The victory also secured their third consecutive COSAFA U20 Championship title, following previous triumphs in 2024 and 2025.
The regional success comes after Amajita also secured qualification for the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, where they will defend the continental title they won last year.
Mendes’ Moment
For Steven Mendes, the final was another opportunity to demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
The young forward did not need several chances to make his mark. When the opportunity arrived from the penalty spot, he kept his composure and delivered the goal that ultimately separated the two sides.
Amajita can now celebrate another COSAFA championship, while Mendes leaves the tournament as its leading scorer and Golden Boot winner.
South Africa 2-1 Mozambique
⚽ Oarabile Booysen – 28′
⚽ Martinho Começar – 30′
⚽ Steven Mendes – 58′ (penalty)
Steven Mendes: 6 goals
Award: COSAFA U20 Golden Boot
Result: Amajita crowned COSAFA U20 champions
