19 December 2018 – This year has been a busy one for COSAFA with no less than six tournaments, all of which have been incredibly successful in terms of our mandate to develop players, coaches and administrators in Southern Africa.
Here is a quick recap of all of our events in 2018:
COSAFA CUP
Host: South Africa
When: May 27-June 9
Winners: Zimbabwe
The tournament in Polokwane, South Africa was won by Zimbabwe in a thrilling final as they defeated Zambia 4-2 after extra-time. It was also notable for the rise of Madagascar, who showed vast improvement and months later would go on to qualify for a first ever African Nations Cup finals.
COSAFA UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP
Host: Mauritius
When: July 19-29
Winners: Angola
Angola claimed a first ever title at this age-group level and in doing so qualified for the 2019 African Under-17 Championships that will be staged in Tanzania. Angola beat South Africa 1-0 in the final in the Mauritian capital of Port Louis having dominated the competition in which they scored 15 goals in five matches and conceded only one.
COSAFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Host: South Africa
When: September 12-22
Winners: South Africa
The South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth hosted a superb women’s championship that saw excellent football action on the pitch and healthy support in the stands from an enthusiastic public. World Cup-bound Cameroon and Uganda were invited guests and the former made the final against the hosts, which was a fitting finale of excellent entertainment that was won 2-1 by South Africa.
COSAFA UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP
Host: Zambia
When: December 2-13
Winners: South Africa
South Africa retained their Under-20 crown with a hard-fought 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Zimbabwe following a 1-1 draw in their decider in Kitwe, Zambia. Angola finished third as they came from behind to beat the hosts to the bronze medal, with many coaches suggesting the standard of this tournament was markedly improved on previous years.
AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – MEN’S UNDER-17 COMPETITION
Host: Botswana
When: December 6-16
Winners: Tanzania
COSAFA assisted with the organisation of the football tournaments at the AUSC Region 5 Games in Gaborone, Botswana, and helped to stage a highly-successful Under-17 competition for men. The COSAFA champions in this age-group, Angola, made the final again, but this time lost out to invited guests Tanzania, who will host the continental finals next year. Eswatini completed an excellent tournament by finishing third.
AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – WOMEN’S UNDER-20 COMPETITION
Host: Botswana
When: December 6-15
Winners: South Africa
South Africa retained their title in the Women’s Under-20 competition as they edged hosts Botswana 1-0 in the final to complete a deserved victory. Zimbabwe picked up the bronze medal after they beat Namibia to third place. The competition featured seven sides in all.