South Africa’s Under-20 national team, Amajita, have been crowned 2026 COSAFA U20 champions after defeating hosts Mozambique 2-1 in a closely contested final at the ABB Stadium in Maputo yesterday, 27 September 2026.
Also see: Pitso Mosimane begins 2nd Bafana Bafana stint with crucial win
The victory saw coach Raymond Mdaka’s side successfully defend their regional crown and complete the tournament with a perfect record of five wins from five matches.
Oarabile Booysen gives Amajita early advantage
Amajita made a strong start to the final and broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.
Oarabile Booysen produced a stunning long-range effort that beat Mozambique goalkeeper Denilson Tembe, putting South Africa 1-0 up.
Mozambique responded almost immediately, with Martinho Começar finding the equaliser just two minutes later to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The Amajita regained the lead early in the second half after Emile Witbooi was brought down inside the penalty area.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Steven Mendes stepped up to take the resulting penalty and calmly converted in the 58th minute.
The goal proved decisive, with Mendes finishing the tournament as the competition’s Golden Boot winner after scoring six goals.
Mozambique pushed for another equaliser but couldn’t break through Amajita’s defence. The hosts were also reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Milton Macombe was sent off following a challenge on Mendes after a VAR review.
Also see: SAFA under pressure over Bafana Bafana World Cup bonuses
Third consecutive COSAFA title
The triumph represents another significant achievement for Amajita, who have now won the regional competition for the third consecutive time, following their titles in 2024 and 2025. South Africa also finished the 2026 tournament unbeaten, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three.
🇿🇦🏆 CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS!
South Africa have been crowned COSAFA Champions 2026! 🏆🔥
What a moment for the nation! Congratulations to the team on an outstanding achievement. The trophy is coming home! 🇿🇦🙌#COSAFA2026 #BafanaBafana #Champions #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/z2kw1ieGQ5
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) September 27, 2026
Focus now turns to Ghana
With the COSAFA title secured, attention will now turn to the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. Amajita will head to Ghana hoping to build on their regional success and defend the continental title they won for the first time last year.
For now, however, the focus remains on a memorable achievement in Mozambique as Amajita celebrate another COSAFA championship and continue their impressive run in regional youth football.
Also see: Pitso Mosimane sends strong message to returning Bafana Bafana stars
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!
