The opening day of the CAF African Schools Football Championship | Cosafa Qualifier South Africa 2025 produced thrilling football in a packed programme at the Idas Valley Sports Complex in Stellenbosch on Friday.
Zimbabwe took control of Group A in the Boys competition with two victories as they defeated Mozambique (2-1) and Namibia (2-0) for a full haul of six points.
But they face a showdown with hosts South Africa on Saturday to decide top spot in the pool, with the latter having four points from their two games. That means a draw will be enough for Zimbabwe to advance to the semifinals top of the pool.
Mozambique held South Africa to a 1-1 draw and have a single point.
Zambia defeated Eswatini in their opening game in the three-team Group B, before the latter bounced back with a 3-0 win over Comoros. Zambia and Comoros meet on Saturday, with a draw enough for the current leaders.
Malawi defeated Lesotho 2-1 in their pool opener in Group C, before Botswana won 1-0 against Lesotho to eliminate the latter from the tournament. They cannot advance to the next round having completed their pool matches.
South Africa completed a pair of wins in the Girls competition with a 4-1 victory over Namibia and a 4-0 success against Mozambique.
But Zimbabwe top the pool on goal difference after they defeated Mozambique 6-1 and Namibia 3-0. They will face South Africa on Saturday for top spot, but again, a draw will be enough for Zimbabwe. Mozambique and Namibia are eliminated.
Zambia completed a 6-0 win over Eswatini in Group B, who then bounced back and claimed a 6-0 win themselves over Comoros. The latter meet Zambia on Saturday.
Malawi defeated Lesotho 2-1 in Group C, before the latter beat Botswana by the same scoreline in the second game of the day.
South Africa have won the Boys and Girls competitions in each of the previous three editions, but their crown is seriously under threat this year with opponents closing the gap.
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