South Africa clinched the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2026 |Cosafa Qualifiers title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola in the final at the Ngoni Stadium in Harare on Saturday to complete a record-equalling fourth win in the tournament.
Earlier, Mozambique secured the final ticket to the TotalEnergies CAF under-17 Afcon beating 10-man Comoros 3-0 in the bronze medal play-off.
It completed an excellent tournament played in front of big crowds in Harare, and sees South Africa draw level with Zambia as the most successful nation in the Cosafa region in this age-group.
They, along with Angola and Mozambique, will head to the continental finals next year.
South Africa struck early against Angola when Omphemetse Sekgoto finished neatly in the fifth minute to give his side the perfect start. It was the first goal Angola had conceded in the tournament.
It settled South Africa, who dominated possession and enjoyed fervent backing from Zimbabwean fans in the stands.
Angola struggled to break through, with Jairo Muanga missing their best chance just before the interval, leaving South Africa 1-0 up at the break.
Angola’s hopes were revived in the second half with the introduction of tournament top scorer Pedro Antonio. He wasted little time, drawing his side level to notch his eighth goal of the competition after 67 minutes.
The equaliser sparked a spell of dominance for Angola, but South Africa responded with composure. Substitute Siyabonga Mbongo provided the decisive moment, squeezing a finish past goalkeeper Gelson Dala to restore the lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Earlier, Mozambique go to the continental finals with a commanding win over 10-man Comoros. Joaquim Mubai broke the deadlock in the 38th minute before Marcos Lazaro took control of proceedings.
Lazaro struck twice, in the 57th and 75th minutes, to put the result beyond doubt. Comoros’ challenge was further hampered when Naim Houdjati was sent off just after the hour mark.
Sekgoto was named Player of the Tournament for this edition, while Antonio took home the Golden Boot for his eight goals.
The Golden Glove went to Angola’s Dala after he conceded only two goals in the tournament, both in the final. Mozambique claimed the Fair Play prize. – cosafa.com
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