Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HOSTS Zimbabwe may have fallen early, but neighbours South Africa and Angola are ready to bring the COSAFA Under-17 tournament to a fitting close when they meet in today’s final of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifier at Ngoni Stadium.
Kick-off is at 2pm, with Mozambique and Comoros meeting in the third-place play-off at 9am. These matches wrap up nine days of lively youth football, staged in Zimbabwe for the first time.
South Africa and Angola secured their tickets to next year’s AFCON Under-17 finals with their semi-final wins. Mozambique and Comoros will fight for the remaining COSAFA slot. The region will again send three teams to the continental finals, where the best will try to earn a place at the expanded 48-team FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
South Africa coach Vela Khumalo said his Amajimbos side have set their sights well beyond today’s contest.
“There is a saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. The first one was to get a team; the second was to progress from the group stage, the third to qualify for Under-17 AFCON and the fourth to qualify for the Under-17 World Cup.
“So those are the targets that we have set for ourselves and at the moment we are not deviating from that. We know we are going through to the final; yes, we know we want to win the trophy and all that.
“But the most important thing is going to Under-17 AFCON and Under-17 World Cup, and making a difference at the World Cup, not just to add the numbers,” said Khumalo.
South Africa arrive full of confidence after their 7-0 demolition of Comoros in the semi-finals. Angola edged Mozambique 1-0 in Thursday’s Lusophone derby to earn their place in today’s decider.
Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors failed to win a game and were eliminated in the group stage. Coach Thulani Sibanda admitted that preparation levels set the stronger teams apart.
Despite the hosts’ early exit, the tournament has drawn praise. Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe said the event celebrated more than just competition.
“Football is more than just a sport; it is a powerful tool for unity and development. It transcends borders, languages and cultures, bringing together communities and fostering friendships,” he said.
He also thanked Government leaders, sponsors and partners for supporting the tournament and helping the local organising committee deliver a successful event.
