Zambia & SA defend U20 crowns at Region 5 Games

South Africa and Zambia successfully defended their COSAFA Under-20 titles at the Region 5 Games in Windhoek on Sunday, claiming gold in the men’s and women’s football competitions respectively.



At the UNAM Stadium, South Africa defeated Malawi 3-0 in the men’s final, while Zambia earned a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the women’s decider to cap an exciting week of regional football.



In the men’s final, 16-year-old Emile Witbooi stole the show, assisting all three goals. His free-kick delivery was volleyed in by Khayalethu Mzimela early in the match, before he dribbled through the defence and set up Simphiwe Mlondo for a clever backheel finish. Witbooi later laid off a perfect pass for Omphemetse Sekgoto to add a third.



Malawi’s Mwisho Mhango, despite having a penalty saved late on, walked away with both the Golden Boot (five goals) and Player of the Tournament honours. South Africa’s Solethu Radebe claimed the Golden Glove, while the team also received the Fair Play Award.



In the women’s final, Zambia proved their dominance once again, finishing the tournament with 26 goals scored and none conceded. Their breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Ruth Muwowo bundled home a wind-assisted corner. Nana Malanda sealed the title with a stunning 40-yard free-kick in stoppage time.



Zambia’s Charity Nthala, head coach of the Under-20 girls, reflected on the final:

“Playing the same team in the group and final, they already knew our strengths and weaknesses. At halftime, I told the girls to stay calm and focused, and to make use of the chances we’d get in the second half. To win back-to-back titles is not easy.”



Zambia dominated the individual awards:



Golden Boot: Ruth Mukoma (6 goals, 3 assists)



Player of the Tournament: Saliya Mwanza



Golden Glove: Margaret Phiri



Fair Play Award: Namibia



Bronze Medal Matches

In Saturday’s third-place play-offs, Zambia’s men beat Angola 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Billy Daka opened the scoring with a header before António Eduardo equalised from the spot.



In the women’s bronze medal match, Botswana edged Namibia 1-0. Despite the loss, Namibia coach expressed pride in his young squad, while taking aim at the officiating:



“It was a good game, but the referee spoiled it. I don’t know if it was human error, but the officiating was weak. I won’t blame my players—they played excellently and stuck to the game plan. Most of them are under 17, and this is part of a development process. They have three more years in this age group—we’ll come back stronger.”