COSAFA U-20: Third place settled after wins for Zambia men and Botswana women

Third place games are usually solemn affairs but Saturday at the 2025 COSAFA U-20 Championship in Namibia saw competitive games from both the women’s and men’s tournaments.

The U-20 men’s side of Zambia, who suffered a heartbreaking defeat to neighbors Malawi in the semifinals, overcame Angola to win in a penalty shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw.

Billy Daka’s first half goal put the Young Chipolopolo into the lead but the result came back into question late on when Angola’s António Eduardo did well to keep his cool and convert a late penalty kick.

However, Zambia survived when Angola put their third penalty kick wide while the Zambian team went a perfect 5-for-5 from the spot to spark the celebrations.

In the women’s tournament, Botswana overcame hosts Namibia to win the bronze with a dramatic late goal.

Shirly Tokonyane produced a well-struck finish in the 88th minute after a corner kick fell kindly to her, giving the Botswana women a hard fought victory over the hosts.

Sunday will see the tournament conclude with the finals from both the men’s and women’s tournaments. South Africa will clash with Malawi in the men’s final (14:00 CAT, 12:00 GMT) at the UNAM Stadium while Zambia face their South African counterparts in the women’s final (11:00 CAT, 9:00 GMT).