COSAFA U-20: Rivalries to be renewed in semifinals

Rivalries will be renewed in the semifinal rounds for both the men’s and women’s tournaments at the COSAFA U-20 Championship following the conclusion of the group stage on Wednesday in Namibia.

Zambia edged Botswana 1-0 in a decisive Group B match and now date neighbours and rivals Malawi in the boys’ semifinal on Friday.

The Young Flames of Malawi cruised to the last-four stage after pushing aside Namibia 2-0 on Tuesday to build on an opening 2-1 win over Zimbabwe and a 1-1 draw with Angola and finish as Group A leaders.

The second semifinal will see regional giants South Africa facing Angola in the other contest for the boys’ section. The South Africans defeated Eswatini 2-0 in another match for the group on Wednesday.

There are also interesting matches for the women’s section with Zambia set to take on Group B runners up Botswana in the semifinal.

This will be followed by yet another potential grudge battle between South African girls and their Namibian counterparts. The football tournament is part of the Region 5 Games involving other disciplines in Namibia.

Men’s Tournament Semifinal Fixtures

UNAM Stadium:

South Africa vs Angola (KO 12h00; 10h00 GMT)

Malawi vs Zambia (KO 15h00; 13h00 GMT)

Women’s Tournament Semifinal Fixtures

Hage Geingob Stadium:

Zambia vs Botswana (KO 12h00; 10h00 GMT)

Namibia vs South Africa (KO 15h00; 13h00 GMT)