MBABANE – The TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA Qualifier has been moved to a new host nation.
The announcement was made by Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Media Officer Lynda Greeff on the regional body’s official WhatsApp channel. The tournament was initially scheduled to be hosted by the Mauritius Football Association.
Mozambique will now stage the tournament following a venue change triggered by logistical challenges.
“The tournament dates remain unchanged, running from September 18 to 27, 2026. Top youth talent from across Southern Africa will compete for a place at next year’s continental finals in Ghana,” read the COSAFA statement.
COSAFA expressed gratitude to the Mauritius Football Association and local stakeholders for their extensive preparation work and understanding.
“The organisation also extended its sincere thanks to the Federação Moçambicana de Futebol and relevant authorities in Mozambique for stepping in at short notice to host the event,” the statement added.
The local squad has been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Lesotho and Angola. Group A features hosts Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles and Mauritius, while Group C consists of 12-time champions Zambia, Malawi, Comoros, and Botswana. The top team in each group and the best runner-up will advance to the semi-finals, with both finalists securing qualification for the continental finals in Ghana.
National Under-20 Head Coach Dominic Kunene expressed optimism following the draw, believing the underdog tag will play to their advantage.
“On paper, it is a tough draw, but entering this tournament as underdogs will work to our advantage,” Kunene said. “In football, anything is possible, and I trust the boys will make the country proud.”
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