AFCON U-17 COSAFA Qualifying: Semifinal line-up complete as Madagascar girls stun South Africa to date Zambia

Zambia girls’ team booked its place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) COSAFA Qualifiers to date Madagascar who stunned hosts South Africa 1-0 on a busy Monday. The other semifinal clash will see Lesotho meeting Mozambique on Wednesday.

The Zambians baptised Mauritius 10-0 at the University of Johannesburg Soweto Stadium where Masela Sekeseke scored a foursome in Group B’s one-way traffic. Natasha Nkaka and Mercy Chipasula claimed a double each, Grace Phiri’s strike and Nasaina Tahiaajee’s own goal sealed the big win.

The Zambians have now scored 17 goals in two games after having punished Zimbabwe 7-2 at the same venue on Sunday to seize control of Group C. Kanyemba’s girls joined Mozambique were the first to qualify for the last-four stage from Group A.

The tournament was not without a shock as Madagascar’s Olivia Rasoamanantena’s 18th minute strike stunned South Africa for the islanders to qualify for the semifinals as Group B leaders with nine points, three ahead of the hosts. In another game, Botswana saw off Zimbabwe 3-1.

There was a big win for Malawi, who despite being eliminated, salvaged their pride by beating Namibia 6-1 on Monday, to finish third in the group.

The girls are using the regional qualifiers to prepare for the AFCON finals for their age-group scheduled for Morocco next year.

The semifinal line-up for the boys’ section is complete with Zambia to face South Africa on Wednesday while Angola date best runner-up Zimbabwe, who sneaked through after a four-all draw against battling Namibia on Monday.

WEDNESDAY’S BOYS FIXTURES

Semifinals – UJ AW Muller Stadium

Angola vs Zimbabwe (12h00 CAT; 10h00 GMT)

Zambia vs South Africa (15h00 CAT; 13h00 GMT)

WEDNESDAY’S GIRLS FIXTURES

Semifinals – UJ Soweto Stadium

Madagascar vs Zambia (11h00 CAT; 09h00 GMT)

Mozambique vs Lesotho (14h00 CAT; 12h00 GMT)