Defending champions South Africa have reached the 2026 COSAFA CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers final and thus qualified for the 2027 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Amajita are also on course to defend their COSAFA title for the third time after coming from behind to beat Zambia 4-2 at the ABB 1 Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Manelis Mazibuko missed a glorious chance to give Amajita the lead just four minutes in after beating the offside trap only for his effort to be kept out by the Zambian keeper.
South Africa had goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba to thank for keeping out an avalanche of attack from the Zambians.
It was the Zambians who deservedly drew first blood in the 30th minute with Duncan Musialela rising highest to head home a corner and make it 1-0.
Amajita finally took control of the game upon the introduction of Emile Witbooi who played a role in the team being awarded a penalty in the 60th minute. Steven Mendes stepped up to convert the spot kick and make it 1-1 for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Oarabile Booysen added Amajita’s second two minutes later with a thunderous shot from inside the box.
The Young Chipolopolo did not give up and continued their relentless and were awarded for their effort with an equalizer to make it 2-2.
With five minutes left on the clock, Zambia were reduced to 10 men after Kalimina handled the ball in the box.
Mendes again stepped up to give Amajita the advantage in the 85th minute for his brace penalty of the afternoon and his fifth goal of the competition.
Witbooi put the nail in the coffin with an individual brilliance in the 95th minute as he rounded the defence before slotting home between the legs of the onrushing goalkeeper for the 4-2 thrashing.
Amajita now await the winner between Namibia and hosts Mozambique who face off in the later kick off.