Angola into Cosafa u20 Afcon Qualifier semifinals

Angola have become the first team to book a place in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations | Cosafa Qualifier in Matola, Mozambique, while South Africa and Malawi were also winners on Sunday. 

Angola’s 1-0 Group B victory over Namibia ensured they would top the three-team pool with six points, while Zambia and Namibia meet in the final game on Tuesday, looking to cling to their slim hopes of a place in the last-4. 

Angola looked as though they would have to settle for a draw before Filipe Quissequel popped up with the winning goal a minute from the end to make it two wins from two and enhance their credentials as potential tournament winners. 

That is certainly true of South Africa, who thumped Lesotho 6-0 to go with their 5-0 win over Malawi in their pool opener. 

Lee Jody Ahshene’s low shot left Lesotho goalkeeper Leluma Mofoka helpless as he was beaten in bottom corner from Shandre Campbell’s cross on 16 minutes. It was 2-0 when Campbell’s rocket from 28 yards left Mofoka with no chance, before the goalkeeper could only steer a back pass teammate Rorisang Malefane into the net just before the break. 

Kutlwano Letlhaku extended the lead to 4-0 on 49 minutes, before Campbell’s killer pass was finished by Sfiso Timba from a tight angle. 

The cherry on top came with 16 minutes remaining as Campbell capped a superb showing with a brace as he headed in Ofentse Kgosana’s cross to make it 6-0. 

Adiel Kaduya netted a brace as nine-man Malawi beat Comoros 2-1 to keep their hopes of semifinal qualification alive. 

Kaduya got a first when he curled the ball into the back of the net, before Kelyan Hamadi equalised for the islanders from a free-kick. 

Malawi were reduced to 10 players when goalkeeper Innocent Kamwambi failed to live up to his name as he hauled down striker Nawir Maoulida outside the box to deny him a goal- scoring opportunity. 

But Malawi continued to go forward and got their reward when Kaduya completed his brace as he rounded the keeper to score. 

Malawi had to finish the game with nine players after a asecond yellow card for Edward Thengo meant he was sent-off. 

Only the top team in each pool advances to the semifinals along with the best-placed runner-up, with the two finalists qualifying for the continental finals that are due to be played next year. 

Those in turn will act as the African preliminary tournament for the 2025 Fifa under 20 World Cup in Chile, with the continent to have four representatives. – cosafa.com