COSAFA Youth Football | COSAFA Youth Cup: COSAFA Defending champions Zambia will have to navigate a tricky Group B in the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers, after being pitted against regional powerhouses South Africa, Madagascar, and Malawi.
The tournament is set for September 11–20 in Harare, Zimbabwe, with matches spread across the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls and the Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
After a flawless run to clinch the 2024 COSAFA title, Zambia’s U17 side returns with momentum, confidence, and a mission — to defend their COSAFA crown and secure a place at the CAF U-17 AFCON 2026. With COSAFA bragging rights on the line, this group will not be a walk in the park. South Africa always brings flair, Madagascar is known for its technical discipline, and Malawi has quietly built a competitive youth side.
Here’s how the groups line up:
- Group A: Zimbabwe (hosts), Comoros, Eswatini
- Group B: Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi
- Group C: Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Lesotho, Mozambique
Following last year’s format, only the top teams from each group, plus the best runner-up, will progress to the semi-finals. For Zambia, it’s not just about defending the title — it’s about stamping authority as COSAFA’s youth kings.
The road to the continental stage begins in Harare, and the Junior Chipolopolo will be expected to rise to the occasion. The question is: Can they go back-to-back?
