The Young Warriors are set to take on Zambia in the semi-finals of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, COSAFA qualifier in Matola, Mozambique. The other semi-final will be between Angola and South Africa. Both matches are scheduled for Thursday.
Angola and Zimbabwe were already confirmed as winners of their respective pools before Tuesday’s action, where South Africa took the top spot in Group C following a 2-0 win over Comoros.
Lesotho’s 3-2 victory over Malawi left a complex calculation for second place in the pool, but Malawi took the spot by virtue of goals scored.
When three teams level on points the results from matches between those sides are used to place them in order in the table.
Each side had three points and a +0 goal difference, but Malawi scored four goals to Lesotho’s three and Comoros’ two.
Having seen Malawi place second, the head-to-head record between Comoros and Lesotho was needed to decide third and the islanders took it by virtue of their 1-0 win in their opening pool game.
The calculation for the best runner-up across all the pools sees the results of the teams that finish bottom in Groups A and C discarded to level the playing field with the three-team Group B, where Zambia finished second with three points and a -1 goal difference.
Botswana were the second-placed team in Group A, but with only their two draws against Zimbabwe and Eswatini counting towards the calculation, they had two points and so finished below Zambia.
When only the points from matches involving South Africa, Malawi and Comoros were taken into account in Group C, Malawi came out with three points but a -4 goal difference, putting them behind Zambia as well.
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The Young Warriors will play against Zambia in the semi-finals. The other semi-final is between Angola and South Africa. The matches will be on Thursday. Angola and Zimbabwe won their pools. South Africa also won their pool. Malawi came second in their pool based on goals scored. In a tie, the team that scored more goals comes ahead. Zambia finished second in their pool and will also play in the semi-finals. Zambia had more points than Botswana and Malawi in their groups.

Young Warriors To Face Zambia In COSAFA Under-20 Semi-Finals

The Young Warriors improved their chances of qualifying for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations by reaching the semi-finals of the COSAFA qualifying tournament with a 1-0 victory over hosts Mozambique on Monday, 30 September.
Enock Moyo scored the only goal of the match at the ABB Stadium in Matola shortly after halftime, securing the team’s position as Group A leaders.
Only the top team from each of the three groups, along with the best runners-up, advance to the semi-finals. 
Having missed the regional tournament for three years, the Young Warriors are now one win away from qualifying for next year’s CAF Under-20 AFCON.
Two qualifying spots are available at the COSAFA finals, with the finalists representing the region in the continental tournament, which will serve as the African qualifier for the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/young-warriors-keep-afcon-dream-alive/">Zimpapers Sports Hub</a> yesterday, Young Warriors coach Simon Marange said:
<blockquote>
The overall performance was very good. I think this game tested a lot of our character and personality and the boys were able to come to the party.
They were able to dig deeper and find a winner against a well-improved and strong Mozambican side.
The next step is the semi-finals now. From the start, our big goal was to try and push to get to the AFCON finals.
So, at least we have given ourselves a chance to dream about it and to give it a go.
</blockquote>
The Young Warriors put in a dominant performance in the first half against Mozambique Under-20, shutting down any attempts on goal and allowing goalkeeper Joseph Kaunda to keep a clean sheet.
Although they created some promising opportunities, including near misses from Tanaka Cherera and Taffy Musamba, they couldn’t find the net until the second half.
Bikita Minerals midfielder Enock Moyo scored in the 46th minute, netting his second goal of the tournament and earning the Man of the Match award.
He came close to scoring again later in the match, while Nisbet Muzenda rattled the woodwork.
With this victory, the Young Warriors secured their semi-final spot, finishing with seven points from three group matches, alongside Angola, who had already advanced from Group B.
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The Young Warriors won 1-0 against Mozambique, leading them to the semi-finals of a big football tournament. Enock Moyo scored the winning goal. They are close to qualifying for a bigger African tournament next year. The team is doing well and their coach is happy. The players stopped Mozambique from scoring and had some good chances to score themselves. Enock Moyo was the best player of the match. The team has secured a spot in the semi-finals and are one step closer to achieving their dream.

Young Warriors Edge Mozambique 1-0 To Reach COSAFA Semi-Finals

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the final squad for the Under-20 Young Warriors squad ahead of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship, scheduled to take place in Maputo, Mozambique, from September 26 to October 5.
The squad primarily consists of locally based players, with a few foreign-based talents included. Among the foreign players are defender Kurainashe Musanhi from Crystal Palace, midfielder Kennedy Mupomba of Chelmsford City FC, and forward Tanaka Cherera from Bury FC.
Notably, SuperSport United striker Nokutenda Mangezi, who was initially named in the provisional squad, has been dropped from the final lineup.
ZIFA said that SuperSport has requested that Mangezi be excused from the tournament due to a growing list of injuries and important upcoming matches.
Here is the full squad:
Goalkeepers
Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds), Michael Kubvedzi (ZPC Kariba), Tatenda Chikowero (Ngezi Platinum)
Defenders
Allan Karakadzai (Simba Bhora), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Blessed Mashonganyika (Ngezi Platinum), Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace), Mvelo Khoza (Highlanders), Morris Musamba (Bikita Minerals)
Midfielders
Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford City FC), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Kingsley Mureremba (Caps United), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals), Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum), Nesbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum), Mafios Chiweta (Ajax Hotspurs), Munashe Munenzva
Forwards
Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC), Sean Mzinde (Harare City)
The 12 teams competing in the COSAFA Under-20 Championship will be eyeing a place at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Mozambique, who won the competition in 2020, will be welcome hosts for the regional championship that will feature 12 sides, with the top two from the COSAFA region advancing to the continental finals.
The teams in the U20 draw were split into three groups each containing four sides, with the top side in each pool and the best placed runner-up advancing to the semifinals.
The winners of those semis will not only have a shot at the title but also earn their place at the continental event.
Group A: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Group B: Zambia, Angola, Namibia, and Madagascar.
Group C: South Africa, Malawi, Comoros, and Lesotho.
The group games will take place from September 26 to October 1, with the semifinals to be played two days later. The final will be on October 5, with no third-place play-off.
Holders Zambia are record 12-time winners of the regional finals, with South Africa claiming eight victories, though none since 2018. Zimbabwe have been champions six times, and Madagascar and Mozambique once each.
The COSAFA tournament is about developing the talent of tomorrow and giving young players the chance to compete with their peers in a highly competitive environment that should help to prepare them for the challenges of senior international football.
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Zimbabwe will be competing in the Under-20 COSAFA Championship in Mozambique. The team includes local and foreign-based players. Some players like Nokutenda Mangezi had to be dropped due to injuries. The tournament has 12 teams, with the top two advancing to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year. The teams are split into three groups, with the winners and best runner-up going to the semifinals. The final will be on October 5. The tournament is important for developing young players and preparing them for senior international football.

ZIFA Announces Final Squad For Under-20 COSAFA Championship

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the provisional squad for the Under-20 Young Warriors ahead of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship, set to take place in Maputo, Mozambique, from September 26 to October 5.
The squad primarily features locally based players, supplemented by a few foreign-based talents. Foreign-based players include defender Kurainashe Musanhi from Crystal Palace, midfielder Kennedy Mupomba of Chelmsford City FC, forward Tanaka Cherera from Bury FC, and Nokutenda Mangezi, who recently signed with South African club SuperSport United. Here is the full squad:
Goalkeepers
<blockquote>
Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds), Michael Kubvedzi (ZPC Kariba), Tatenda Chikowero (Ngezi Platinum)
Defenders
Allan Karakadzai (Simba Bhora), Alla Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Hebert Dick Jr (Arenel Movers), Blessed Mashonganyika (Ngezi Platinum), Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace), Mvelo Khoza (Highlanders)
Midfielders
Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford City FC), Alvin Antonio (Green Fuel), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Kingsley Mureremba (Caps United), Morris Musamba (Bikita Minerals), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals), Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum), Nesbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum), Sean Mzinde (Harare City), Prince Magondo (Black Rhinos), Mavel Mbedzi (Dynamos), Craig Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Mafios Chiweta (Ajax Hotspurs), Munashe Munenzva
Forwards
Nokutenda Mangezi (Supersport United), Nigel Banda (Highlanders), Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC), Messi Gushero (Dulibadzimu FC)
</blockquote>
The 12 teams competing in the COSAFA Under-20 Championship will be eyeing a place at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Mozambique, who won the competition in 2020, will be welcome hosts for the regional championship that will feature 12 sides, with the top two from the COSAFA region advancing to the continental finals.
The teams in the U20 draw were split into three groups each containing four sides, with the top side in each pool and the best placed runner-up advancing to the semifinals.
The winners of those semis will not only have a shot at the title but also earn their place at the continental event.
Group A: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Group B: Zambia, Angola, Namibia, and Madagascar.
Group C: South Africa, Malawi, Comoros, and Lesotho.
The group games will take place from September 26 to October 1, with the semifinals to be played two days later. The final will be on October 5, with no third-place play-off.
Holders Zambia are record 12-time winners of the regional finals, with South Africa claiming eight victories, though none since 2018. Zimbabwe have been champions six times, and Madagascar and Mozambique once each.
The COSAFA tournament is about developing the talent of tomorrow and giving young players the chance to compete with their peers in a highly competitive environment that should help to prepare them for the challenges of senior international football.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA has picked team for COSAFA Under-20 Championship. Players mostly from Zimbabwe, some from other countries too. Event in Mozambique from Sept 26 to Oct 5. Top teams go to Africa Cup next year. Zimbabwe in Group A with Eswatini, Moza, Botswana. Matches from Sept 26 to Oct 1. Semis on Oct 3. Final on Oct 5. Zambia hold record for wins. Tournament helps young players. Good chance for future international football.

ZIFA Announces Provisional Squad For COSAFA Under-20 Championship

The COSAFA Under-20 Championship will return in 2024 to be staged in Maputo, Mozambique from September 26 to October 5.
The 12 competing teams will be eyeing a place at the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Mozambique, who won the competition in 2020, will be welcome hosts for the regional championship that will feature 12 sides, with the top two from the COSAFA region advancing to the continental finals.
The draw for the regional finals will take place in Maputo on Thursday, September 5 at 11 AM CAT, where the 12 teams will learn their fate.
At the same time the draws for the COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship and COSAFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, which are also to be hosted in Maputo from December 5-15, will be conducted.
The teams in the U20 draw will be split into three groups each containing four sides, with the top side in each pool and the best placed runner-up advancing to the semifinals.
The winners of those semis will not only have a shot at the title, but also earn their place at the continental event.
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be in the draw, with only Mauritius and Seychelles not competing this time round.
The group games will take place from September 26 to October 1, with the semifinals to be played two days later. The final will be on October 5, with no third-place play-off.
Holders Zambia are record 12-time winners of the regional finals, with South Africa claiming eight victories, though none since 2018. Zimbabwe have been champions six times, and Madagascar and Mozambique once each.
The early years were dominated by the ‘Two Zs’, with Zambia winning six and Zimbabwe three of the first nine tournaments held.
South Africa were the first team to break the mould when they triumphed in 2000, having been losing finalists in 1995 and 1999.
A year earlier, in 1999, they had taken over the hosting of the event, which before then had been spread around the region.
Each tournament up until 2009 was held in the Rainbow Nation, but the winners were less easy to predict.
Madagascar became only the fourth country to win the event when they surprisingly triumphed in 2005, beating shock finalists Lesotho 1-0 in the final.
Before Lesotho three years ago, the previous two instalments, in 2010 and 2011, were hosted by Botswana, with Zambia extending their winning streak to three with success in both.
They added an 11th title in 2016 when they romped through the competition, defeating hosts South Africa 2-1 in the final, before bringing up a dozen in 2022 as they defeated Mozambique.
Both those sides went on to compete in the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, though neither got out of their pool.
But more than lifting the trophy, the COSAFA tournament is about developing the talent of tomorrow and giving young players the chance to compete with their peers in a highly competitive environment that should help to prepare them for the challenges of senior international football.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

In 2024, Mozambique will host the COSAFA Under-20 Championship with 12 teams competing to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The draw for the regional finals will take place in Maputo on September 5. The teams will be split into groups, with the top teams advancing to the semis. The final will be on October 5. Zambia is the current champion with 12 wins. The tournament is not just about winning but also about developing young talent for future international competitions.

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