11 December 2022 – South Africa’s hopes of winning the under-17 men’s football competition at the Region 5 Games in Lilongwe, Malawi, came to an end after a 0-1 defeat to Zambia in the final on Sunday night, 11 December 2022.
A lone strike from Kelvin Phiri in the second half was enough to give Zambia the win and secure this U17 AFCON Algeria 2023 | COSAFA Qualifier.
While losing in the final will be disappointing for coach Duncan Crowie and his charges, they have at least achieved their objective of qualifying for the U17 AFCON in Algeria next year.
South Africa’s Siyabonga Mabena finished as the tournament’s top goal scorer after finding the back of the net nine times during the competition.