Zambia book semifinal place as SA take control

Zambia became the first team to book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | Cosafa Qualifier on Monday, while defending champions South Africa took control of Group B with a 2-0 victory over Angola. Record 12-time regional champions Zambia cruised to a 3-0 success against Comoros to make it two wins from two in Group C, while Malawi revived their hopes with a victory by the same scoreline over Botswana. South Africa also maintained their perfect start as goals from Lazola Maku and Steven Mendes saw them defeat Angola, while Eswatini claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lesotho with captain Njabulo Gama grabbing a stoppage-time winner. The 12-team competition runs until September 27, with the three pool winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semi-finals.

The two finalists will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF u20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027. Zambia wasted little time taking control of their clash with Comoros as Tumalo Mununga opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Abel Nyirongo doubled their advantage 12 minutes later to leave the Junior Chipolopolo firmly in control before Kayula Chinunda added a third in the 64th minute. Zambia had defeated Malawi 2-0 in their opening fixture and now have six points from two matches without conceding a goal. They are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a game to spare as the only side who can still match their six points are Malawi, who Zambia defeated in their opening game. Malawi bounced back superbly from that loss to Zambia as they defeated Botswana 3-0 to move onto three points and keep alive their semi-final ambitions. Misheck Billiat opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Clever Kalambo doubled the Junior Flames’ advantage three minutes into first-half…