The Young Mambas reached the final by beating Namibia 3-0 in Friday’s semi-final after an unbeaten group campaign that included a 1-0 win over the same opponents and a 5-0 victory over Mauritius. Both finalists had already secured their continental tickets by reaching Sunday’s decider.
South Africa, the defending champions, won the title through a Steven Mendes penalty after Mozambique had taken the game to them. The hosts stayed in the contest until the end in front of their own supporters.
Mozambique’s path also required a Fair Play tie-breaker to claim the last semi-final place ahead of Angola. Once in the knockout rounds they were clinical. Martinho Começar, Diego Pelembe and Hissen Sócrates scored in the semi-final. Alírio Cuna finished among the tournament’s leading scorers.
Ghana 2027 is the prize that mattered most. A first COSAFA title on home soil will have to wait. A place among Africa’s best under-20 sides will not.
South Africa lift the trophy. Mozambique take silver and a ticket to the AFCON. For the hosts, that is a campaign to be proud of.