Amajita come from a goal down to lift the trophy. Mendes, who scored five times in the tournament including two penalties in Friday’s 4-2 semi-final win over Zambia, converted from the spot to settle the final.
South Africa and Mozambique had already qualified for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana by reaching the final. Sunday decided the regional crown. South Africa are defending champions and now add another COSAFA U-20 title on Mozambican soil.
Mendes was player of the match in the semi-final and finished level with Mozambique’s Alírio Cuna on five goals before the decider. Coach Thabo Mdaka’s side also beat Lesotho and Angola in the group stage.
Zambia took bronze earlier in the day with a 3-0 win over Namibia, Sipho Muntanga scoring twice.
The final closed a 12-team tournament in Maputo. Amajita leave as champions. Mozambique leave as hosts, runners-up and AFCON qualifiers. Mendes leaves as the face of South Africa’s week.