COSAFA U-20 Championship: South Africa and Zambia play to entertaining draw, Botswana begin with win

The COSAFA U-20 Championship continued on with its second day on Saturday in host nation Namibia with entertaining clashes highlighted by clashes between regional powers South Africa and Zambia in both the women’s and men’s tournaments. On the men’s side, Zambia and South Africa’s Amajita played to a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Neo Bohloko got Amajita off to what appeared to be a dream start with his strike in the 6th minute but Zambia set the tone for the match by replying instantly through Gabriel Phiri from an assist by Billy Daka.

South Africa’s highly hyped 16-year-old playmaker Emile Witbooi showed all of his quality in the 17th minute, navigating through traffic before putting his team back ahead in the 17th minute.

But once again it was Zambia who responded with two goals before halftime to take a surprise lead. Khayalethu Mzimela salvaged a point for South Africa by turning home from a corner kick in the 80th minute.

In the earlier match from the day at the men’s tournament, Botswana defeated Eswatini 3-1 to snatch first place in the group. The Zebras got off to a strong start, opening the scoring in the 15th minute before doubling their advantage in the second half and holding off a late charge to claim all three points. They will face South Africa next on Monday while Zambia clash with Eswatini.

While Zambia and South Africa shared the spoils in the men’s tournament on Saturday, it was Zambia who came out on top in the women’s clash with a 3-0 victory. In the earlier clash from the same group, Angola defeated Eswatini 4-2 to join Zambia at the top of the table after one match.

Men’s Tournament

Botswana 3-1 Eswatini

Zambia 3-3 South Africa

Men’s Tournament Sunday Fixtures

Angola vs Malawi (10:00 GMT)

Namibia vs Zimbabwe (13:00 GMT)

Women’s Tournament

Angola 4-2 Eswatini

Zambia 3-0 South Africa

Women’s Tournament Sunday Fixtures

Malawi vs Botswana (10:00 GMT)

Namibia vs Zimbabwe (13:00 GMT)