South Africa’s Amajita produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Zambia 4-2 and book their place in the COSAFA Under-20 final at the ABB Stadium in Matola, Mozambique, on Friday.
The victory not only kept Raymond Mdaka’s side on course to defend their COSAFA title, but also secured Amajita’s qualification for the 2027 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. The two finalists at the COSAFA qualifier earn places at next year’s continental tournament.
Amajita were forced to overcome a difficult start after Zambia took control of the match and eventually broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.
Duncan Musialela rose highest to head Zambia into the lead, leaving South Africa trailing 1-0 at the interval.
The early setback appeared to put the defending champions in serious trouble, particularly after Zambia had dominated large spells of the opening half.
But Mdaka’s charges returned from the break with a completely different attitude.
The introduction of Emile Witbooi helped change the complexion of the match, with Amajita becoming more dangerous in attack and putting the Zambian defence under sustained pressure.
South Africa were rewarded when they were awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, with Steven Mendes keeping his cool from the spot to level matters at 1-1.
The comeback gathered further momentum just two minutes later when Oarabile Booysen unleashed a powerful effort from inside the box to put Amajita 2-1 ahead.
Zambia, however, refused to surrender.
The Junior Chipolopolo responded with an equaliser through Jonathan Kalimina to make it 2-2 and set up a tense final quarter.
The turning point came with five minutes remaining when Kalimina was sent off after handling the ball inside the penalty area.
Mendes once again stepped forward from the penalty spot and converted in the 85th minute to restore South Africa’s lead and complete his brace.
With Zambia chasing an equaliser, Amajita found space to deliver the final blow deep into stoppage time.
Witbooi produced an individual moment of brilliance in the 95th minute, rounding the Zambian defence before calmly slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 4-2.
The final whistle confirmed a remarkable turnaround for Amajita, who had trailed for much of the contest before completely changing the game after the interval.
Mendes’ two goals took his tournament tally to five, while Witbooi’s late strike completed a memorable afternoon for the South Africans.
Amajita will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Namibia and hosts Mozambique.
More importantly, Mdaka’s charges have already achieved one of their major objectives — qualification for the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
The defending COSAFA champions will now have the opportunity to finish the job by lifting the regional trophy once again.