Zambia, South Africa book semi final spots

Football
  • 1 Day Ago 10 July 2025
Zambia and South Africa have officially secured their places in the semi-finals of both the men’s and women’s Under-20 football tournaments at the Region 5 Youth Games in Windhoek, Namibia.



In the men’s competition, South Africa claimed top spot in Group B after a clinical 2-0 victory over Eswatini on Wednesday. Steven Mendes opened the scoring in the first half before Thandanani Mhlongo added a second after the break to seal the win.



Zambia, meanwhile, faced a tough challenge from Botswana and had to wait until the 80th minute to find the breakthrough. Nkotami Chimwemwe emerged as the hero, netting the lone goal that confirmed Zambia’s spot in the last four.



The results mean South Africa will now take on Angola in the first men’s semifinal at 12h00 CAT (10h00 GMT) on Friday, while Zambia will face Malawi at 15h00 CAT (13h00 GMT). Both fixtures will be held at UNAM Stadium.



In the women’s U20 tournament, Zambia continued their dominant run with a second consecutive 8-0 win — this time against Eswatini. Ruth Mukoma stole the spotlight with a sensational five-goal haul, supported by strikes from Lweendo Hanongo, Bwalya Chileshe and Grace Phiri. The Young Copper Queens top Group B with a perfect record.



South Africa claimed the remaining semifinal berth with a commanding 5-2 victory over Angola. Lindelwa Mabuza scored twice, while Siphesihle Mvila, Katleho Malebana, and Khwezi Khoza added to the tally. Angola had equalised at 2-2 through Maria Viera and Elizandra Jordão, but South Africa powered through in the closing stages.



The women’s semifinal line-up sees Zambia taking on Group A runners-up Botswana at 12h00 CAT (10h00 GMT), followed by hosts Namibia facing South Africa at 15h00 CAT (13h00 GMT). Both games will be played at the Hage Geingob Stadium.



All Region 5 Games matches are streamed LIVE on COSAFA’s official YouTube channel, and globally via FIFA+, except in the competing countries. Full match replays become available 30 minutes after the final whistle for local viewers via FIFA+.



As the knockout stages approach, the spotlight intensifies in Windhoek, with a quartet of high-stakes clashes promising action, drama and a step closer to U20 regional glory.