COSAFA U-20 Championship: Malawi, Angola in dream start

Malawi and Angola made a dream start to the Region 5 Games in Namibia on Friday from the 2025 COSAFA U-20 Championship.

The Young Flames defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 while Angola edged Namibia 1-0 at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek in Group A action.

Mwisho Mhango scored the opener for the Young Flames in the first half, before Tadiwa Chakuchichi levelled matters for Zimbabwe just before the hour-mark. Malawi restored their lead when Mhango’s cross was deflected into the net by Zimbabwe defender Garie Chibika for an own goal.

Group A action continued later in the boys’ section with Angola shrugging off Namibia with a 1-0 win over hosts Namibia courtesy of Danilson Cundula’s strike.

The action continues on Saturday with Group B action for the boys’ category. Eswatini meet Botswana at the UNAM Stadium at 12:00 CAT (10:00 GMT) followed by South Africa clash with Zambia in the afternoon.

There was also plenty to write about in the women’s section at the UNAM Stadium where Botswana beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Group A .

Zimbabwe scored first through Plaxina Blandason, before substitute Hope Lesotlo equalised for Botswana who sealed the victory through Amogolang Sebotho’s late goal.

This game was followed by yet another Group A contest for the girls between Namibia and Malawi who settled for a 0-0 draw. The two Group B fixtures in the women’s competition on Saturday are scheduled for Hage Geingob Stadium.

Eswatini play Angola at 12:00 CAT (10:00 GMT), while later in the afternoon there is another showdown between South Africa and Zambia, two of the pre-tournament favorites. This match is at 3:00 p.m. CAT (1:00 p.m. GMT).

Boys Competition

Friday’s Results

Group A

Malawi 2 (Mhango 25′, Chibika 72’og) Zimbabwe 1 (Chakuchichi 58′)

Namibia 0 Angola 1 (Cundula 14′)

Saturday’s Fixtures

Group B – UNAM Stadium

Eswatini vs Botswana (KO 12:00 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. GMT)

South Africa vs Zambia (KO 3:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. GMT)