Categories: Local Soccer
| On 4 years ago

Amajita set to face Zambia in Cosafa U20 Cup final

By Cosafa

Defending champions South Africa will meet hosts Zambia in the final of the 2019 Cosafa Under-20 Championships after both won their semifinal matches at the Nkoloma Stadium on Thursday.

WATCH: Highlights of Amajita versus Madagascar match

South Africa edged Madagascar on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Zambia defeated Angola 3-0 in the other semifinal.

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Zambia, who will seek a first victory in the competition since 2016, eased past Angola as two goals from Patrick Gondwe set them on their way. The prolific Francisco Mwepu added a third for what was a comprehensive victory.

South Africa sealed their place in the final with a thrilling comeback after they had gone 2-0 down to Madagascar in the first half. They rallied for the draw and then claimed the penalty shoot-out 5-4 to seal a fourth consecutive visit in the final.Madagascar took the lead through Aristide Ranaivo Harison and it was 2-0 just before the half-hour mark as they deservedly increased their advantage when Randianantenaina Arnaud netted a 25-yard free-kick.

WATCH: Post match reactions from Madagascar coach and SA coach 

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South Africa pulled a goal back when the excellent Oswin Appollis beat two defenders in the box, before placing a low shot in the bottom corner. And with just a minute remaining on the clock in injury-time, he was able to make it 2-2 after drilled another low shot into the corner of the net to send the game to penalties.

South Africa scored all of their spot-kicks, with the Malagasy striking the crossbar with their fifth effort.Zambia and South Africa clash in the final on Saturday at 15h00, with the latter seeking a hat-trick of titles after they claimed wins in 2017 and 2018.

The bronze-medal match between Madagascar and Angola will kick-off at 11.30am.

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The Player of the Tournament will also be announced after the. final, with the winner set to go on trial as Spanish second-tier side CD Numancia, an opportunity presented by Cosafa partner LaLiga.

Read more on these topics: AmajitaCOSAFASouth AfricaZambia