Super-sub Emile Witbooi scored a brilliant solo goal to cap off a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory for South Africa’s Amajita over Zambia in the COSAFA U20 semi-finals at ABB Stadium in Mozambique, securing their spot in Sunday’s final and qualifying for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations 2027 in Ghana.
Raymond Mdaka’s side entered the semi-final in sparkling form after sweeping through the group stage without conceding a goal, posting victories over Lesotho (3-0), Angola (2-0), and Eswatini (2-0).
By contrast, Zambia stormed into the knockout rounds after brushing aside Malawi (2-0), Comoros (3-0), and Botswana (3-1). The heavyweight encounter lived up to its billing as the ‘Final Before the Final’ with automatic continental qualification on the line.
How Did Amajita Overcome Zambia’s First-Half Dominance?
Zambia flew out of the blocks, forcing South Africa goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba into a sharp double save during the opening exchanges.
Zambia’s pressure paid off before the half-hour mark when Amajita failed to clear a long throw-in, allowing Duncan Musialela to fire home the opener—the first goal South Africa conceded in the tournament.
Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka benched star attacker Emile Witbooi following his late arrival to camp, leaving South Africa lacking attacking ingenuity throughout a sluggish first half.
What Impact Did Emile Witbooi Have After Coming Off the Bench?
Mdaka introduced Witbooi at the hour mark, instantly shifting the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
Just two minutes after Witbooi’s entry, Zambia conceded a penalty that Steven Mendes calmly converted to level the match. Three minutes later, Tumelo Booysen hooked a ball inside the near post to put Amajita 2-1 ahead.
Zambia fought back in the 75th minute when Musialela completed his brace to tie the game at 2-2.
However, the defining moment arrived with 10 minutes remaining. Zambia’s Jonathan Kalimina handled Lazola Maku’s goalbound strike, earning a direct red card from referee Mweshitsana Negongo Naftal. Mendes stepped up to convert his second penalty of the afternoon, putting South Africa up 3-2.
Witbooi put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes, dancing past a cluster of Zambian defenders before slotting his first goal of the tournament past Hendrix Kanyungulu.
Who Will Amajita Face in the COSAFA U20 Final?
Amajita will face the winner of the second semi-final between Mozambique and Namibia in Sunday’s final as they target a hat-trick of regional titles.
