Online Reporter
WITH the 2026 CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers getting underway today, and 12 teams battling it out for the a coveted spot at the continental finals next year, who are the teams in prime position to succeed?
With only the three group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals, every game will carry knockout intensity.
GROUP A
Teams: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Comoros, Eswatini
Zimbabwe, champions in 2007, will have home support as they look to return to the top of the regional game. They’ve been consistent at youth level but face tough opposition in Mozambique, who have made strides in junior football. Comoros and Eswatini arrive as underdogs, but both nations are eager to prove themselves on this stage.
Fixtures:
Today: Comoros vs Eswatini
(12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Today: Zimbabwe vs Mozambique
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Saturday: Mozambique vs Comoros
(12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Saturday: Zimbabwe vs Eswatini
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Monday: Eswatini vs Mozambique
(15h00, Heart Stadium)
Monday: Zimbabwe vs Comoros
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
GROUP B
Teams: Zambia, South Africa,
Madagascar, Malawi
This is the headline pool, with defending champions Zambia and serial finalists South Africa drawn together. Zambia are the most successful team in COSAFA U17 history with four titles, while South Africa have reached eight finals, winning three. They’ll be pushed by Madagascar, who continue to build their reputation after senior-level success, and Malawi, a past winner in 2001, who are dangerous at youth level.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Madagascar vs Malawi
(12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Tomorrow: Zambia vs South Africa
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sunday: South Africa vs Madagascar
(12h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sunday: Zambia vs Malawi
(15h00, Heart Stadium)
Tuesday: Malawi vs South Africa
(12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Tuesday: Zambia vs Madagascar
(12h00, Heart Stadium)
GROUP C
Teams: Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Lesotho
Last year’s beaten finalists Angola are favourites to progress, having twice lifted the COSAFA U17 crown. They’ll face a spirited Botswana, a youthful Mauritius, and Lesotho, who are seeking their first continental breakthrough. With Zambia and South Africa stacked together in Group B, this pool offers a clearer path to the semifinals for Angola, if they can avoid surprises.
Fixtures:
Tomorrow: Mauritius vs Lesotho
(12h00, Heart Stadium)
Tomorrow: Angola vs Botswana
(15h00, Heart Stadium)
Sunday: Botswana vs Mauritius
(12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sunday: Angola vs Lesotho
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Tuesday: Lesotho vs Botswana
(15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Tuesday: Angola vs Mauritius (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium. − COSAFA.com
