COSAFA U20 YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP - 2019 GUIDE ZAMBIA | 4-14 DECEMBER 2019
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2019
cosafa U20 YOUTH
CHAMPIONSHIP
guide
Zambia | 4-14 December 2019
MESSAGE FROM COSAFA PRESIDENT
DR PHILLIP CHIYANGWA
W
e are delighted to see the return of the 2019 COSAFA U20
Youth Championship to Zambia for the third year running
after the hugely successful events staged in 2017 and 2018.
It is always exciting to see the next generation of young stars from
our Southern African region that will provide the backbone for our senior
national teams in the future.
But as much as we take joy in this, for the players it is a huge opportunity
to showcase their talent and catch the eye of the watching world, perhaps
providing them with a springboard in their fledgling careers.
COSAFA’s mandate is to develop football in the Southern African region
and our Under-20 Championship goes to the heart of that. It is not just the
players who benefit, but referees, coaches and administrators all get the
opportunity to see a major international competition from the inside out.
That is invaluable and we are very proud of the commitment we have
made in this regard and delighted with the results we have seen so far. HOW TO FOLLOW THE
In 2019 alone we have already hosted our senior Men’s and Under-17 2019 COSAFA ACTION!
competitions, as well as highly-successful Women’s senior, Under-20 and
There are a number of ways you can keep
Under-17 championships.
We plan to have six tournaments again in 2020 as we remain committed up with the action in the 2019 COSAFA
to providing the platform to excellence for football in the region. Men’s Under-17 Championship!
So as you can see it is a big task that we take on each year, but a
challenge that we meet with relish. ❖ Go to our website: www.cosafa.com
I must give thanks to our gracious hosts, the Football Association of
Zambia, for the way they have embraced COSAFA in recent years, and ❖ Follow us on Twitter: @COSAFAMEDIA
congratulate them for the excellent showing of their sides in the various
competitions in 2019.
We also welcome back some teams after an absence from this
❖ Like our Facebook page:
tournament in recent years, and are glad to see some familiar faces return www.facebook.com/COSAFAMEDIA/
as well.
We hope too that fans around the world will follow the tournament ❖ Find us on Instagram:
through COSAFATV, which streams all the news and match action right
into their homes and offices, wherever they may be. www.instagram.com/cosafafootball/
I wish all the 12 teams competing at the 2019 COSAFA Men’s Under-20
Championship the very best of luck and look forward to exciting football ❖ Head to COSAFA TV: www.cosafa.tv
that provides much entertainment to fans and wonderful experience for
our young stars.
1
message
MESSAGE FROM
ZAMBIA FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
W
ith great humility and a We will have 12 teams converging in We cannot overemphasize the benefits
tremendous sense of pride and Lusaka from across the Southern region that have been derived from the newly
joy, I, on behalf of the beautiful which will provide one of the biggest football introduced COSAFA Under-17 and Under-20
people of Malawi and on behalf of the Malawi festivals in 2019. Women’s Championships.
Football Family, take enormous pleasure in To the visitors from across the region In conclusion, we expect that the 2019
welcoming COSAFA and the seven Under-17 and beyond, they will have an opportunity edition of this competition will be an even
national delegations to Malawi for the 11th to sample not only the football culture that greater tournament. It is our hope that
edition of the COSAFA Under-17 Youth Zambian is famous for but also other aspects Zambia may have done enough to warrant
Championship. of the Zambian life. being granted the opportunity to host even
We are back again for another exciting To the participating teams, we would like bigger events in future.
COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship to extend a very warm welcome to Lusaka.
tournament in Zambia. We are excited that We have no doubt you will be made to feel Welcome to Zambia and enjoy the games!.
we are hosting the tournament for the third at home throughout your stay. Zambian
year running. has a long history of being hospitable to Andrew Kamanga
Football Association of Zambia President
It has been an exciting journey for the neighbours that goes beyond football.
Zambian game especially with the favour The COSAFA tournaments have continued
our junior teams enjoy with the public. The to be a stepping stone for many of our
last two editions have been held on the football stars. Locally the buzz is around
Copperbelt and now we move the party to Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka who are
Lusaka. flying the Zambian flag in UEFA Champions
We are grateful for the support the League with their club Red Bull Salzburg.
people of the Copperbelt gave us in the last Mwepu and Daka were Under-20 COSAFA
two editions. It is because of their support champions in 2016. Many other stars have
that we were able to see out our last three walked that path in the region and the
straight tournaments. emerging stars can take a leaf from that
We are hoping the Lusaka crowd can example.
exceed the very high standards set by the The South African team that will be flying
Copperbelt fans in the last two editions. The the COSAFA flag at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic
wave of excitement around the city over the Games has many of its players bred from the
COSAFA is very encouraging. Fans have been COSAFA tournaments. In Zambia we have
given an opportunity to purchase tickets seen our women game take giant steps with
ahead of schedule through Computicket in the Senior Women Team on the verge of
any Shoprite outlet. Olympic qualification with a two-legged final
It is our desire that we have enough round contest of with Cameroon looming.
fans in the stands to cheer the various COSAFA has no doubt been a great
national teams participating at this exciting platform for the development of players in
tournament. Zambia and the region in general.
2
2019
COSAFA U20 Youth
Championship IN
NUMBERS
The 2019 COSAFA U20 Youth Championship
sees the top young talent in the region
gather to showcase their potential.
After the successful hosting of the
championships in the last two years, Zambia
will again welcome the competing teams as
South Africa defend the title they have won
for the last two years.
Here are some numbers around the
competition that has a rich 36-year history.
0 The only final to
finish goalless
was in 2001 when
Zambia needed a
penalty shoot-out
to beat Angola
5-3 on spot-kicks.
1 South Africa
were the top
side in 2018 as
they defeated
Zimbabwe in a
penalty shoot-
out after the final
2 The highest finish
for any guest
nation was the
silver medal Kenya
won in 2013 when
they lost 2-0 to
South Africa in the
That remains the had finished 1-1. final.
only final to go to a
shoot-out.
2 Both guest nations in
the 2017 COSAFA U20
Youth Championship
made the semi-finals, but
lost at that stage. Egypt
eventually beat Uganda to
the bronze medal with a
3-1 victory in the third-
3 Hosts Zambia
have won three
of the last
six COSAFA
U20 Youth
Championship
played, with only
South Africa
3 Angola lost three
finals in a row
between 2000
and 2002. They
made the deciding
match in 2011 but
lost again. They
have yet to win the
place play-off. Last year’s breaking their run regional title and
guests, DR Congo, exited in 2013, 2017 finished third in
in the first round. and 2018. 2018.
3
4Only four nations have won the
COSAFA U20 Youth Championship –
Zambia (11 times), South Africa (8),
Zimbabwe (6) and Madagascar (1).
4 This year’s COSAFA U20 Youth Championship
will kick-off on December 4, with the final to
be staged 10 days later on the 14th.
4Zambia hold the record for the most title
wins in a row, four, in the championship
that were played between 1993 and 1999. 5 The biggest victory in last
year’s competition was
a 5-0 success for South
Africa over Mauritius.
5Lyle Foster (South Africa) and Delic
Murimba (Zimbabwe) finished top-
scorers at the 2018 COSAFA U20 Youth
Championship with five goals.
9 The most number of goals
scored in a single final
– South Africa defeated
Zambia 5-4 in 2004!
10 The number of titles
won by Zambia, the most
successful nation in the
history of the COSAFA U20
Youth Championship.
PAST WINNERS
of the COSAFA U20 Youth Championship
1983
1985
1986
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Zambia
2004
2005
2006
South Africa
Madagascar
South Africa
11
1988 Zimbabwe 2007 Zimbabwe
1990 Zimbabwe 2008 South Africa
1993 Zambia 2009 South Africa
1995 Zambia 2010 Zambia
The number of years in a row 1997 Zambia 2011 Zambia
that South Africa hosted the 1999 Zambia 2013 South Africa
event between 1999 and
2009. 2000 South Africa 2016 Zambia
2001 Zimbabwe 2017 South Africa
2002 Zimbabwe 2018 South Africa
2003 Zambia
4
teams
quick GUIDE TO THE 2019 COSAFA MEN’S UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP
ANGOLA BOTSWANA
» ANGOLA will be hoping to make » The Young Zebras made a return to the COSAFA Men’s Under-20
history when they compete at the Championships last year after missing the tournament in 2017 and still
2019 COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championships. seek a first ever trip to the final.
The country have never tasted success in the Botswana’s best finishes in this competition came in
junior version of the regional championship, this 2009 and 2011 when they managed third place. botswana FINISHES
despite some excellent success in the COSAFA Cup First they beat Madagascar 3-2 on penalties after 1999 Group stages
senior competition. a 0-0 draw in the bronze-medal play-off in 2009. The 2000 Group stages
They have appeared in four finals though, losing Young Zebras had made it through their pool, but lost 2001 Group stages
three in a row between 2000 and 2002, and then 3-0 to South Africa in the semifinals. 2002 Group stages
again in 2011 when they went down 2-1 to Zambia. They then hosted in 2011 and this time lost to 2003 Group stages
After finishing fourth in 2016, Angola disappointed Zambia in the semifinals before beating Malawi to 2004 Group stages
by their own high standards in 2017 when they bronze. 2005 Group stages
picked up just a single point from their three games In 2016 the side lost all three of their pool games 2006 Group stages
to finish bottom of Group C. without scoring a goal, while last year they claimed four 2007 Group stages
They finished third last year, reaching the points from three games with a victory over Lesotho, a 2008 Group stages
semifinals as runners-up in Group C, but then draw with Angola and defeat to Zimbabwe. 2009 Third
lost 1-0 to eventual winners South Africa in the They have been regular participants down the years, 2010 Group stages
semifinals. missing just the 2017 event in the last 17 editions, but 2011 Third
The team claimed the bronze medal though with a have found the group stages tough to advance from. 2013 Group stages
2-1 success over home side Zambia. The side have never qualified for the Africa Under-20 2016 Group stages
Angola have always been known as a fine Championships, which will be a target of theirs in the 2017 Did not enter
producer of young talent, many of whom make their coming years. 2018 Group stages
way to Portugal and other parts of Europe.
They have appeared at the finals of the African
Under-20 Championships on six previous occasions
and were champions in 2001 when they defeated
Ghana in the finals
that were played in COMOROS ISLANDS
Ethiopia. ANGOLA FINISHES » Comoros Islands will compete at the comoros FINISHES
That team had 1999 Did not enter COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship 1999 Did not enter
the likes of Gilberto 2000 Runners-up for the first time since 2016, and 2000 Did not enter
and Mantorras, 2001 Runners-up celebrate 12 years since their debut at this age-group 2001 Did not enter
who would go on to 2002 Runners-up level. 2002 Did not enter
have stellar senior 2003 Group stages The team made their bow in 2007 when they exited 2003 Did not enter
careers. 2004 Fourth in the first round, and were set to play in 2009, but 2004 Did not enter
There other five 2005 Group stages withdrew from the event. 2005 Did not enter
appearances at 2006 Group stages It was a similar story in 2010 when the side did not 2006 Did not enter
the continental 2007 Group stages participate, and it was only in 2016 when they made 2007 Group stages
showpiece have 2008 Third their return to the competition. 2008 Group stages
been less successful, 2009 Group stages They have not featured since and the island nation, 2009 Did not enter
all ending in exits 2010 Group stages who have been rapidly improving at senior national 2010 Did not enter
before the knockout 2011 Runners-up team level, make a welcome return to the fold. 2011 Did not enter
stages. Their last 2013 Third They have never before qualified for the Africa 2013 Group stages
appearance was 2016 Fourth Under-20 Championships, no doubt a target for them in 2016 Group stages
all the. way back in 2017 Group stages the near future. 2017 Did not enter
2005. 2018 Third 2018 Did not enter
5
teams
ESWATINI LESOTHO
» Eswatini will be hoping to make a big » Lesotho’s Under-20 side have in the recent past
impression at this year’s COSAFA Men’s been star performers in the COSAFA region having
Under-20 Championships having exited the qualified for the African Youth Championships in 2011,
competition in the first round for the last 13 tournaments. just their second ever appearance at the tournament.
In fact, they did not win a match at the COSAFA U20 And they did not disgrace themselves at the continental
Youth Championship between 2004 and 2016, a record showpiece event in South Africa either, claiming a draw against
they finally put right when they beat Botswana 2-0 three eventual semifinalists Mali and losing narrowly to South Africa and
years ago. Egypt.
That was still not enough to advance to the knockout Lesotho narrowly missed out on the knockout stages in the 2016
stages though as they suffered defeats to South Africa COSAFA U20 Youth Championship after two wins and a loss in the
and Lesotho later on in the competition. pool phase meant they finished second in their group.
They also did not manage a win in 2017, with a draw But they did much better in 2017, topping Group C and beating
against East African guest nation Uganda sandwiched by East African guest nation Uganda in the semifinals, before narrowly
defeats to Malawi and hosts Zambia. going down 2-1 to South Africa in the decider.
It was a similar story last year when they played in a They found the going tougher in 2018 when they managed just
shortened three-team a point from their three games after
group, but successive 4-0 losses to Zimbabwe and Botswana,
losses to Mauritius and eswatini FINISHES having opened with a draw against lesotho FINISHES
South Africa saw them 1999 Group stages Angola. 1999 Third
exit in the first round. 2000 Group stages Lesotho have also made the 2000 Quarterfinals
Their best finish was 2001 Group stages final of the COSAFA U20 Youth 2001 Group stages
third place all the way back 2002 Quarterfinals Championship before, in 2005, when 2002 Group stages
in 1985 when the country 2003 Group stages they lost 1-0 to Madagascar. 2003 Fourth
hosted the competition. 2004 Group stages They are a nation that often 2004 Group stages
They made it to within 2005 Group stages punches above their weight and also 2005 Runners-up
touching distance of the 2006 Group stages finished second in the 1990 COSAFA 2006 Group stages
Last 8 in the 1983 African 2007 Group stages Men’s Championship, as well as third 2007 Group stages
Under-20 Championships, 2008 Group stages (1995, 1999) and fourth (2003). 2008 Group stages
but withdrew after 2009 Group stages Lesotho also reached the 2009 Group stages
losing the first leg 5-1 to 2010 Group stages quarterfinals of the Africa Under-20 2010 Group stages
Zimbabwe. 2011 Group stages Championship in 1989, to go with 2011 Group stages
2013 Group stages their group stages exits in 2005 and 2013 Group stages
2016 Group stages 2011. 2016 Group stages
2017 Group stages 2017 Runners-up
2018 Group stages 2018 Group stages
MADAGASCAR 2009, but lost on penalties to nemesis Zimbabwe
» Madagascar are previous winners after they had been beaten 4-0 by Zambia in the
of the COSAFA Men’s Under-20 semifinals. madagascar FINISHES
Championships, one of only four nations to lift the They did win the bronze medal in 2007 though as 1999 Group stages
trophy, but have not competed in recent years. they defeated Namibia 2-1 in the play-off. 2000 Did not enter
They beat Lesotho 1-0 in the final in 2005, joining Their championship success in 2005 came as 2001 Quarterfinals
Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe as past winners, they played in a five-team first round group and beat 2002 Did not enter
in what is also their only previous final. Namibia (7-0), Malawi (3-2) and Seychelles (7-0), but 2003 Group stages
They will appear in the competition for the first also suffered a loss to Angola (0-1). 2004 Group stages
time in six years, having last played in 2013 when They edged Zambia on penalties in the semifinals 2005 Winners
they lost both games in a three-team Group B in after a 1-1 draw, before Rajaonison Tojoniaina got 2006 Group stages
the first round, going down to Angola (1-5) and the only goal of the game in the 70th minute as they 2007 Third
Mozambique (0-6). beat Lesotho in the decider. 2008 Group stages
They had a three-team pool in 2010, which started Madagascar debuted in the competition in 1999 2009 Fourth
with a thumping 5-0 success over Seychelles and when they exited in the first round, and also had 2010 Fourth
was followed by a 2-0 win over Mozambique. similar results in 2003, 2004 and 2006. They reached 2011 Group stages
That meant a semifinal with Namibia, which was the quarterfinals in 2001, but lost to Angola (0-1). 2013 Group stages
lost, before the team went down 3-1 to Zimbabwe in Perhaps surprisingly given their pockets of 2016 Did not enter
the bronze-medal match. excellence, Madagascar have never qualified for the 2017 Did not enter
The side also made the third-place play-off in African Under-20 Championships. 2018 Did not enter
6
teams
MALAWI MAURITIUS
» Malawi finished a credible fourth in the » Mauritius will seek to show their potential at this
COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championships age group level after mixed performances in recent
tournament in Botswana in 2011 having not years as they compete at the 2019 COSAFA Men’s
played in the previous two installments of the competition, Under-20 Championships.
and then did not appear again in 2013. Having taken just a single point from six matches in the two
They returned in 2016, but could not make it past the tournaments before the 2016 showpiece event, they came within a
first round, as a draw and a loss meant they finished whisker of reaching the knockout stages three years ago.
second in their three-team pool. They needed to beat Angola in their final pool game to advance,
They came closer in 2017, gaining five points, but but were held to a 1-1 draw to end the campaign unbeaten with a
missing out on top spot in their pool on goal-difference to win and two draws, their best showing to date in the competition.
Uganda. But that was followed by disappointment in 2017 when they lost
There was more frustration last year as the side finished all three of their games without scoring a goal.
bottom of their pool with just a single point from three There was an improved showing in 2018 in a shortened three-
games after losses to Zambia and Central African guest team pool as a 5-0 loss to South Africa was followed by a 4-0
nation DR Congo, and a draw with Mozambique. victory over Eswatini.
Malawi have yet to win the regional showpiece In Botswana in 2011, the side also lost all three of their pool
competition, but did reach matches, conceding 11 goals and
the final in 2003 when they scoring none, and two years later
lost out to Zambia in the malawi FINISHES claimed a single point from three mauritius FINISHES
decider. 1999 Group stages games. 1999 Did not enter
The side last made it out 2000 Fourth Mauritius have in fact never 2000 Group stages
of their group eight years 2001 Quarterfinals made it beyond the pool stages and 2001 Group stages
ago, but lost 4-2 to Angola 2002 Quarterfinals that will be a major focus for them 2002 Group stages
in the semifinals and were 2003 Runners-up this year. 2003 Group stages
then beaten 1-0 by hosts 2004 Group stages The side have twice before 2004 Group stages
Botswana in the third-place 2005 Group stages qualified for the Africa Under-20 2005 Group stages
play-off. They did manage 2006 Fourth Championships, once as hosts in 2006 Group stages
third in 1986. 2007 Group stages 1993 and then again in 1995. 2007 Group stages
Malawi have qualified 2008 Group stages They won one game each in both 2008 Group stages
for the African Under-20 2009 Did not enter finals competitions, but did not 2009 Did not enter
Championships on one 2010 Did not enter advance past the pool stages. 2010 Group stages
occasion, finishing in the 2011 Fourth 2011 Group stages
group stages in Ethiopia 2013 Did not enter 2013 Group stages
in 1999 when they lost all 2016 Group stages 2016 Group stages
three games. 2017 Group stages 2017 Group stages
2018 Group stages 2018 Group stages
mozambique FINISHES
MOZAMBIQUE In 2017 they returned home early with a single 1999 Group stages
» Mozambique are still searching win and two defeats, though they were in a tough 2000 Quarterfinals
for their first-ever COSAFA Men’s pool with eventual champions South Africa and North 2001 Quarterfinals
Under-20 Championships title having African guest nation Egypt. 2002 Quarterfinals
been beaten finalists in 2008. They were unbeaten in 2018 with a victory over 2003 Group stages
They lost to then hosts South Africa on that DR Congo, and draws with Malawi and Zambia, but 2004 Group stages
occasion but will be hoping to go one better this time there five points were not enough to put them into 2005 Group stages
round after disappointingly losing out in the first the next round. 2006 Group stages
round of the event in the last seven installments. Mozambique may well feel that with their 2007 Group stages
They did narrowly miss the semifinals in Botswana pool of talent back home, which has always been 2008 Runners-up
in 2011, the hosts just pipping them on goal- substantial, they should have won the competition by 2009 Group stages
difference in a three-team pool that also included now – or at least advanced past the pool stages on 2010 Group stages
Eswatini. more occasions. 2011 Group stages
And in 2016 they finished their three-team pool They reached the quarterfinals of the African 2013 Group stages
with two draws and so lost out to Central African Under-20 Championship in 1989, but have not 2016 Group stages
guest nation DR Congo for a place in the knockout played in the competition proper since. 2017 Group stages
stages. 2018 Group stages
7
teams
SEYCHELLES SOUTH AFRICA
» Seychelles’ first appearance » South Africa have traditionally been one of the
in the COSAFA Men’s Under-20 powerhouses in the region in Under-20 football and will
Championships came all the way be looking to defend the crown they won for the last two
back in 2000 when losses to Zambia (0-3) and years.
Namibia (1-3) saw them ousted in the opening They have claimed the competition eight times in all, with their
round. first title coming in 2000. They also hosted the tournament for 11
They returned in 2004, but three heavy losses consecutive years between 1999 and 2009.
meant a first round exit, while the following year They went all the way to the final on home soil in 2016, playing some
they lost all four games in a five-team group. scintillating football, but lost out to Zambia in the decider with a 2-1
Three more defeats followed in 2007, but the defeat.
next year they claimed a first ever win with a 4-2 That was seen as a major disappointment, but they atoned for that
success over Namibia. with a run all the way to the gold medal in 2017.
That proved a brief glimmer of hope as they side After topping their pool with a full haul of nine points, ‘Amajita’ edged
lost both matches in North African guest nation Egypt 1-0 in
a shortened pool in the semifinals.
2011, and all three seychelles FINISHES That set up a decider with Lesotho south africa FINISHES
matches in 2013 1999 Did not enter and South African emerged as 2-1 1999 Runners-up
and 2016. 2000 Group stages winners to take home the trophy. 2000 Winners
They did not enter 2001 Did not enter They repeated that triumph in 2018, 2001 Fourth
the last two editions, 2002 Did not enter topping their shortened pool with 2002 Third
and a major aim for 2003 Did not enter victories over Mauritius and Eswatini, 2003 Third
the side this year will 2004 Group stages before a 1-0 win over Angola in the 2004 Winners
be to add to their 2005 Group stages semifinals. 2005 Fourth
single victory at this 2006 Did not enter That set up a final with old foes 2006 Winners
level. 2007 Group stages Zimbabwe and after the match finished 2007 Runners-up
Seychelles 2008 Group stages 1-1, South Africa claimed the penalty 2008 Winners
have never before 2009 Group stages shoot-out 4-3. 2009 Winners
qualified for the 2010 Group stages The side have qualified for the Africa 2010 Group stages
Africa Under-20 2011 Group stages Under-20 Championships on eight 2011 Group stages
Championships. 2013 Group stages previous occasions, winning the silver 2013 Winners
2016 Group stages medal in 1997. They finished third in 2016 Runners-up
2017 Did not enter 2019, and also have two fourth-place 2017 Winners
2018 Did not enter finishes (2009 and 2017). 2018 Winners
ZAMBIA zambia FINISHES
» Zambia are the most successful nation in the COSAFA Under-20 1999 Winners
Championship competition with 11 victories in all, their last win coming in 2000 Quarterfinals
South Africa in 2016. 2001 Third
Zambia were rampant as they stormed through that competition and inflicted a 2-1 2002 Fourth
defeat on their hosts in the decider. 2003 Winners
They went on to claim the 2017 Africa Under-20 Championships title on home soil, and 2004 Runners-up
also excelled at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea in May last year. 2005 Third
But the side disappointed in the COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship on home soil 2006 Runners-up
in 2017, bowing out in the first round after a defeat to East African guest nation Uganda 2007 Group stages
was followed by a draw with Malawi and a win over Eswatini. 2008 Group stages
They did make the semifinals on home soil in 2018, but lost 2-1 to Zimbabwe and 2009 Runners-up
were then beaten 2-1 by Angola in the bronze-medal match. 2010 Winners
They will now seek to extend their record tally of 11 regional titles, three more 2011 Winners
than South Africa, and perhaps set a path to another Africa Under-20 Championship 2013 Group stages
appearance. 2016 Winners
They have appeared at the tournament on seven previous occasions and apart from 2017 Group stages
their gold medal in 2017, they also finished fourth in 1991, 1999 and 2007. 2018 Fourth
8winners
STATS SHOW RECENT
SOUTH AFRICA DOMINANCE
IN UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIPS
D efending champions
South Africa go into the
2019 COSAFA Men’s Under-20
mixed performances in the last
three years where they claimed
the title in 2016, failed to get out of
COMBINED TEAM RECORDS FROM THE LAST
THREE COSAFA U20 Youth Championship
The table is calculated on the number of wins, then the
Championships among the their pool in 2017 and then finished number of draws and finally goal-difference.
favourites again and their statistics fourth last year.
over the last three tournaments They have won eight of their TEAM P W D L GF GA GD
show just why. 13 matches, with three defeats, South Africa 14 12 1 1 35 5 30
The regional championship has the first of which came against
Zambia 13 8 2 3 23 10 13
been played annually for the last East African guest nation Uganda
Angola 13 4 5 4 14 12 2
three years after having taken a in 2017. They have also averaged
break and in that time ‘Amajita’ have almost two goals per game and Zimbabwe 10 4 4 2 12 12 0
been the stand-out competitors. conceded 10 times. Lesotho 11 3 4 4 7 12 -5
They have lifted the trophy on The only other sides with three DR Congo* 8 3 2 3 8 7 1
the last two occasions, and also or more wins in the last three years Egypt* 5 3 0 2 7 4 3
reached the final in 2016 where are Angola, Zimbabwe, Lesotho,
Mozambique 9 2 4 3 7 8 -1
they lost out to Zambia. and guest nations DR Congo and
Mauritius 8 2 2 4 8 13 -5
They have played 14 matches Egypt.
and have won 12 of those fixtures, In all there have been 17 Malawi 9 1 4 4 8 13 -5
only losing out to Zambia in the different competitors in the last Uganda* 5 1 3 1 6 6 0
2016 decider on home soil. three years, with Madagascar the Sudan* 3 1 1 1 6 2 4
In that time they have netted an only full member of COSAFA that Namibia 3 1 1 1 2 2 0
impressive 35 goals and conceded has not taken part in at least one
Botswana 6 1 1 4 2 12 -10
only five times, showing proficiency competitions.
Swaziland 8 1 1 6 7 18 -11
at both ends of the field. That will change in 2019 when
This year’s hosts Zambia have they make a welcome return to the Comoros 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2
the second best record, despite Under-20 showpiece. Seychelles 3 0 0 3 0 11 -11
*Invited guests
9inspiration
HOW THE
COSAFA UNDER-20
CHAMPIONSHIP
SHAPES CAREERS
A t the recent Africa Under-23 Cup of
Nations in Egypt, there were two
COSAFA entrants in the form of South Africa
"South Africa also had a number
of crossover players, such as
World Cup in that age-group later in the year.
South Africa also had a number of
crossover players, such as goalkeeper Darren
and Zambia, squads who can trace the genesis
goalkeeper Darren Johnson, Johnson, defenders Tercious Malepe and
of their rivalry back to the 2016 COSAFA U20 defenders Tercious Malepe and Thendo Mukumela, midfielders Kobamelo
Youth Championship. Thendo Mukumela, midfielders Kodisang, Sipho Mbule and Keletso
The Under-23 competition may have been Kobamelo Kodisang, Sipho Makgalwa, and strikers Luther Singh and
an age-group up, but the teams first crossed Mbule and Keletso Makgalwa, Itumeleng Shopang.
swords as a group three years ago, when the and strikers Luther Singh and It also would likely have been more had
core of both sides competed in the regional it not been for a reluctance of local clubs to
COSAFA U20 Youth Championship.
Itumeleng Shopang." release players for the tournament.
A total of 11 players in the Zambian The Zambian group held the upper hand
Under-23 squad competed in that at Under-20 level, not only beating South
tournament, and it might have been more had Africa 2-1 in the final, played a massive role Africa in the COSAFA Under-20 final, but also
others not already moved up to the senior in the elevation of a number of the careers of months later ousting them in the semifinals
team to be involved in Africa Cup of Nations the Zambian team. of the African Under-20 finals, where they
qualifiers during the international break that Soon afterwards Daka, Mwepu, Chilufya would go on to take gold on home soil.
coincided with the continental qualifier. and Sakala won moves to Europe, and their At the Under-23 tournament in Egypt the
Goalkeeper Mangani Banda, defenders careers have blossomed as they form part of sides played to a 0-0 draw.
Moses Nyondo, Prosper Chiluya and Solomon the senior national team as well. It all points to the vital nature of COSAFA
Sakala, midfielders Harrison Chisala, Enock It was truly the moment they ‘arrived’ in competitions as developing players for
Mwepu and Edward Chilufya, and striker international football and the confidence they international football and allowing them to
Patson Daka, are just some of the players took from the win provided a psychological play against their peers at age-group levels.
involved back then. boost that led to them riding the wave of The core of these two squads will
There is no doubt that the competition in success to win the 2017 Africa Under-20 likely have many more battles in senior
2016, which Zambia won by beating South Championship title and take their place at the international football over the next decade.
10winners
FOLLOW THE
COSAFA MEN’S
UNDER-20
CHAMPIONSHIPFATV!
ON COSA
LIVE
Fans are in for treat with the news that the
COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship will be
streamed live from Lusaka, Zambia when the
tournament is played from December 4-14!
Supporters from around the world who want
to follow the action will be able to do so live on
COSAFATV, where they will be able to stream the
matches on their Phones, Tablets and Computers.
It means the tournament will be available
across the globe for fans and scouts to
view the best of the up-and-coming talent
in the COSAFA region, as 12 teams try to
lift the trophy in this age-group.
The match action will be available at
www.cosafa.tv or via www.cosafa.com,
where you can check the homepage or click
on the COSAFATV tab.
The recent COSAFA Women’s Championship and COSAFA Women’s Under-20
Championship played in Nelson Mandela Bay had almost 500,000 streams as fans
from around the region, and beyond, lapped up the action.
COSAFA TV is an important part of our offering to ensure that fans always have
access to not only live matches, but news snippets, interviews and highlights.
Matches can also be followed via live text coverage on our Twitter account @COSAFAMEDIA
9recap
WHAT A YEAR
m en ts in 2019 , culminating in the
a record six tourna
COSAFA will host -20 Ch am pi onship in Lusaka. d on
Men’s U nd er
nisa tion, an d one that promises to en
ic year for the orga ents played to date
.
It has been an histor the five tour na m
is a recap of
a major high. Here
COSAFA CUP COSAFA WOMEN’S
Tapson Kaseba scored the only goal of the game as Zambia were CHAMPIONSHIP
crowned 2019 COSAFA Cup champions after a hard-fought 1-0 South Africa were crowned champions of the
victory over Botswana in the COSAFA Cup decider in Durban. 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship after a 1-0
The result means Zambia were regional champions for the fifth victory over Zambia in the final at a packed Wolfson
time, one less than gold medal leaders Zimbabwe, and lifted the Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay.
trophy for the first time since 2013 having lost out in the previous It was the third year in a row that the South
two finals. Africans have claimed the regional title and their
For Botswana it was more heartache as their quest for a sixth in all from the seven previous championships
maiden COSAFA Cup glory continues following a second final played as they showcased their quality fresh from
defeat, the previous one coming in 2016 when they lost to South an appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in
Africa. France.
Zimbabwe claimed the bronze medal after they recorded a 6-5 The only goal of the game was scored midway
penalty shoot-out win over Lesotho following a 2-2 draw in their through the first half as Tiisetso Makhubela netted
third-place play-off. with a fierce shot into the roof of the net after
Malawi's Gerald Phiri Jnr was named Player of the Tournament Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali had spilled a routine
and claimed R20,000 in prize-money, while Zambian keeper catch.
Mwange was crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament and took Zambia’s Rachael Nachula picked up the Golden
home the same amount. Boot award in the competition for her 10 goals,
The R20,000 for the Golden Boot will be shared between three while South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini won
players – the Malawian duo of Phiri Jnr and Gabadinho Mhango, the Golden Glove.
and Mauritius striker Ashley Nazira – who all scored three goals. Hellen Mubanga from Zambia was named the
Zambia won R500,000 for their first-place finish, while Player of the Tournament as her strong showings
Botswana took home R250,000 as runners-up. took the Shepolopolo to the brink of a maiden title.
12recap
FOR COSAFA!
COSAFA WOMEN’S COSAFA WOMEN’S COSAFA MEN’S
UNDER-20 UNDER-17 UNDER-17
CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP
Tanzania lifted inaugural COSAFA Uganda were crowned champions of the Zambia were crowned champions
Women’s Under-20 Championship inaugural 2019 COSAFA Women’s Under-17 of the 2019 COSAFA Men’s
with a 2-1 victory over luckless Championship after a 2-1 victory over South Under-17 Championship after a
Zambia in the final, becoming Africa in the final in Mauritius, making it 2-0 victory over Mozambique in
the first guest nation ever to lift a back-to-back wins for East African guest the final in Blantyre.
COSAFA trophy. Nations after Tanzania’s Under-20 triumph. It was a deserved victory for a
Tanzania took the lead when Opa It was a tightly contested final in which side who scored 20 goals in their
Sanga swept home a cross from the Ugandans shaded the chances, but five games as they proved the
the left-wing, her third goal of the a fitting end to what was a magnificent most complete on the squads on
tournament. tournament in which 158 goals were scored display.
They had a few opportunities to in only 16 matches. After a goalless first half in
add to that lead, but were pegged Uganda opened the scoring through which Zambia were largely
back 10 minutes into the second Fauzia Najjemba on 56 minutes as she burst dominant, they took the lead on
period when Loveness Malunga between two defenders to score, but the 52 minutes as Julius Kumwenda
netted a wonderful equaliser. South Africans were level when Nabeelah laid the ball off for Joseph Banda
It looked as though the game Galant’s persistence down the right flank on the edge of the box, who
would be headed for penalties saw her cross for substitute Tiffany Kortjie curled it into the far corner of the
before Protasia Mbunda scored a to head home. net. Rickson Ng’ambi made it
stunning winner with five minutes The East Africans regained the lead 2-0 on 74 minutes to secure the
remaining. with five minutes remaining as Najjemba’s victory.
Maylan Mulenga from Zambia cross was turned home by the prolific Juliet Zambian forward Moses
won the Golden Boot award with Nalukenge with an expert finish. Mulenga was named Player
five goals, while her compatriot South African captain Jessica Wade was of the Tournament, while his
Cynthia Shonga was named named Player of the Tournament, Juliet compatriot Iford Mwale won the
Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Nalukenge from Uganda won the Golden Golden Glove as best goalkeeper.
The Player of the Tournament Boot prize with an astonishing 18 goals Simon Cipriano (Mozambique),
prize went to Enekia Lunyamila in the five games she played, while her Domingos (Angola) and Ng’ambi
from Tanzania, who was a star teammate Daphine Nyayenga won the (Zambia) shared the Golden Boot
throughout. Golden Glove. with five strikes each.
13review
ZAMBIA AIM 2019 COSAFA CUP
Finish: Winners
TO FINISH The Zambia senior men’s side retained the COSAFA Cup title for the
first time since 2013 with a 1-0 victory over Botswana in the final in
INCREDIBLE 2019
Durban. They were full value for their tournament success!
ON ANOTHER HIGH 2019 COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Finish: Runners-Up
Zambia could not quite do the ‘Double’ by claiming the women’s
senior challenge as well, but came unstuck against powerhouse
Hosts Zambia head into the 2019 COSAFA Men’s South Africa in the final to go home with the silver medal. The decider
Under-20 Championship having had an unbelievable was a tight game too with the home side triumphing 1-0.
year in regional tournaments in both 2019 COSAFA WOMEN’S UNDER-20
the male and female categories. CHAMPIONSHIP
Lusaka will stage the coveted finals between Finish: Runners-Up
Agonisingly close for Zambia again as they picked up the silver medal
December 4-14, and Zambia will be among the in the inaugural COSAFA Women’s Under-20 Championship that ran
favourites to lift the trophy, which has been won for concurrently with the senior championship. They went down 2-1 to
the last two years by South Africa. East African guest nation Tanzania in the final, conceding the decisive
goal late on.
Should they do so it will be the continuation of
an incredible six months for the country in COSAFA 2019 COSAFA WOMEN’S UNDER-17
competitions, which has so far seen them pick up two CHAMPIONSHIP
Finish: Third Place
gold medals, two silvers and a bronze. Zambia took home the bronze medal in the inaugural COSAFA
Here is a low-down of their 2019 in the various Women’s Under-17 Championship that was played in Mauritius,
regional competitions. trouncing Botswana 3-0 in the third-place play-off. They were edged
2-1 in a tight semifinal by South Africa, as the trophy was eventually
lifted by East African guest nation Uganda.
2019 COSAFA MEN’S UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP
Finish: Winners
Zambia pic ked up the gold medal with a deserved 2-0 victory
over Mozambique as they proved they were the best team in the
competition once again, regaining the title they last lifted in 2017.
The tournament was played in Malawi and included a 7-0 victory for
Zambia over regional rivals South Africa.
14fixtures
2019 cosafa men's under-20 championship
fixtures
POOL STAGES
DATE KO GROUP FIXTURE VENUE
04/12 10h00 C Angola vs Seychelles Nkoloma Stadium
04/12 12h45 A Comoros Islands vs Malawi Nkoloma Stadium
04/12 15h30 A Zambia vs Botswana Nkoloma Stadium
05/12 10h00 C Mozambique vs Eswatini Sunset Stadium
05/12 12h45 B Lesotho vs Madagascar Sunset Stadium
05/12 15h30 B South Africa vs Mauritius Sunset Stadium
07/12 10h30 A Botswana vs Malawi Nkoloma Stadium
07/12 12h45 C Angola vs Mozambique Nkoloma Stadium
07/12 15h30 A Zambia vs Comoros Islands Nkoloma Stadium
08/12 10h30 B Mauritius vs Lesotho Sunset Stadium
08/12 12h45 C Seychelles vs Eswatini Sunset Stadium
08/12 15h30 B Madagascar vs South Africa Sunset Stadium
09/12 12h45 C Angola vs Eswatini Nkoloma Stadium
09/12 12h45 C Mozambique vs Seychelles Sunset Stadium
09/12 15h30 A Zambia vs Malawi Nkoloma Stadium
09/12 15h30 A Comoros Islands vs Botswana Sunset Stadium
10/12 15h30 B South Africa vs Lesotho Nkoloma Stadium
10/12 15h30 B Madagascar vs Mauritius Sunset Stadium
SEMIFINALS
12/12 12h00 19 Winner Grp B vs Best Runner-up Nkoloma Stadium
12/12 15h30 20 Winner Grp A vs Winner Grp C Nkoloma Stadium
third-place play-off
14/12 11h30 21 Loser M19 vs Loser M20 Nkoloma Stadium
CUP THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF
07/06 19h30 22 Loser M19 vs Loser M20 Moses Mabhida
FINAL
14 December 2019 | 15h00 | Match 22
Winner Match 19
vs Winner Match 20
Nkoloma Stadium
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