Amajita advance to semi-finals of the U20 Cosafa Championship
The South African U20 men’s national team (Amajita) is through to the semi-finals of the Cosafa U20 Championship in Maputo after going unbeaten in the group phase.
On Tuesday, in their final Group C match, Amajita faced Comoros and recorded a 2-0 victory. Both goals were netted in the second half by midfielders, Kgosana Ofentse, from Kaizer Chiefs, and Siyabonga Mabena, from Mamelodi Sundowns.
In their previous match, on Sunday, Amajita recorded a resounding 6-0 victory over Lesotho. Shandre Campbell delivered an outstanding performance and earned man of the match recognition after scoring two goals, including a remarkable strike from outside the box.
Emile Witbooi also showcased his talent and entertained the fans in Maputo with his impressive skills. Additional goals were contributed by Lethlaku Kutlwano, Timba Sifiso, and Lee Jody Ahshene, along with an own goal from Lesotho, leaving South Africa as handsome winners.
Amajita were almost as dominant in their opening match on 27 September, defeating Malawi 5-0. South Africa showed in their opener that they are serious contenders, with Shakeel April netting a brace, while Lee Jody Ahshene, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Mbekezele Mbokazi added the rest.
South Africa’s reward is a midday meeting with Angola on Thursday at the ABB Stadium in Maputo. There is plenty at stake in the Mozambican capital, with the finalists of the Cosafa U20 Championship qualifying for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Alakhe Mdluli shines at Cosafa Cup

Alakhe Mdluli, a talented student from Glenwood High School and a member of the South African professional club, AmaZulu FC, has made a notable impression at the Cosafa Cup. Unfortunately, Mdluli and the Eswatini national team were unable to advance to the semi-finals after missing a crucial opportunity to take the lead against Botswana on Monday, September 30.
The match resulted in a 0-0 draw, with Eswatini failing to capitalise on a penalty that could have secured their place in the semi-finals. Mdluli took responsibility for the penalty kick, but his attempt was thwarted by Botswana’s goalkeeper, Frank Seleke Low, who saved the shot to his right. Following the rebound, Eswatini had another opportunity, but the ball went wide of the target.
However, Mdluli exhibited outstanding skill to the fans present during the tournament’s opening match, where they defeated the host nation, Mozambique, by 5-4. Although they did not advance to the subsequent round of the tournament, Mdluli concluded their participation with two goals, one assist, and a man of the match accolade.