Hosts Mozambique face Angola in COSAFA Under-17 AFCON Qualifiers

Hosts Mozambique face Angola in COSAFA Under-17 AFCON Qualifiers

Hosts Mozambique have been drawn alongside regional rivals Angola and Lesotho in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers, which will be staged in Maputo from 4-13 December 2026 as part of the Region 5 Games. Nine teams will compete in three groups of three, with defending champions South Africa drawn alongside Botswana and Malawi in Group B, while Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini make up Group C. It promises to be another fascinating contest between the best young football talent in Southern Africa, with the teams chasing regional honours and places at the continental U17 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco next year. Mozambique will have home advantage in a competitive Group A, but face a significant challenge from Angola, who finished runners-up to South Africa at the previous regional championship in Zimbabwe in September 2025. The Angolans were impressive in that competition, advancing to the final before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat, while Mozambique claimed the bronze medal with a 3-0 victory over Comoros. It means Group A contains two of the three medallists from the previous edition, with Lesotho hoping to upset the established order and mount a challenge of their own. South Africa will begin the defence of their title against familiar opponents Botswana and Malawi in Group B. The South Africans lifted the trophy for the fourth time last year, drawing level with Zambia as the most successful nation in the history of the regional Under-17 competition. They defeated Angola 2-1 in the final in Harare, having previously swept aside Comoros 7-0 in the semi-finals. Malawi will be seeking an improved showing after losing 4-1 to South Africa in their decisive group fixture at the previous tournament, while Botswana will be hoping to make their mark in a pool that promises plenty of competitive football. Group C brings together Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini, with the Zambians looking to regain the title they last won in 2024. Zambia suffered a disappointing early exit in Zimbabwe last year despite entering the tournament as defending champions, and will be determined to make amends. Zimbabwe will likewise be looking for an improved performance after failing to progress beyond the group stage on home soil in 2025, while Eswatini complete a competitive three-team pool. The tournament will provide another important opportunity for the region's emerging players to gain international experience as they seek to take the next step in their development. TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers draw Group A: Mozambique, Lesotho, Angola Group B: South Africa, Botswana, Malawi Group C: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini