Double Derby! SA and Zambia to Contest Both COSAFA Schools Finals

Hosts South Africa and regional rivals Zambia will contest both the Boys’ and Girls’ finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship | COSAFA Qualifier on Sunday, after navigating difficult semi-finals at the Idas Valley Sports Complex in Stellenbosch.

Both finals will decide COSAFA’s representatives for next year’s Continental Finals, with all matches broadcast live on CAF TV.

Boys: South Africa Chase Fourth Straight Title, Zambia Out to Break Dominance

South Africa booked a fourth consecutive Boys final after a clinical 2-0 semi-final win over Eswatini, extending their quest for a fourth straight regional crown.

Zambia, unbeaten and free-scoring throughout the competition, dispatched Malawi 3-0 to earn their place in Sunday’s decider, scheduled for 12:00 CAT (10:00 GMT).

South Africa topped Group A following a decisive 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe, while Zambia stormed through Group B with huge wins, including a 6-0 demolition of Comoros — the biggest result in the Boys’ competition.

Eswatini advanced as the best runner-up after edging Botswana on goals scored.

Boys Final – Sunday, 7 December

• 12:00 – South Africa vs Zambia

• Third-place play-off (10:00) – Eswatini vs Malawi

Girls: South Africa Survive Shootout as Zambia Power Through

Defending Girls champions South Africa needed penalties to survive a spirited Zimbabwe side in a tense semi-final that ended 1-1, eventually winning 4-3 on spot-kicks.

The hosts are now one win away from a fourth successive Girls title, but face a confident Zambia outfit that defeated Malawi 2-0 in their semi-final.

Their final will be played at 11:00 CAT (09:00 GMT).

South Africa progressed from Group A with three straight wins, while Zambia recorded the tournament’s largest victory — an 11-0 rout of Comoros — on their way to topping Group B.

Girls Final – Sunday, 7 December

• 11:00 – South Africa vs Zambia

• Third-place play-off (09:00) – Zimbabwe vs Malawi

Prize Money & Competition Background

Winners of the COSAFA Qualifier earn USD 100,000, runners-up USD 75,000, and bronze medallists USD 50,000 — funds used strictly for school infrastructure and educational development.

The competition is part of CAF’s continental schools football programme, spearheaded by President Dr Patrice Motsepe, with a USD 10 million investment from the Motsepe Foundation.

The current African champions are Tanzania (Boys) and Ghana (Girls). Both won the 2025 continental finals in Accra, taking home USD 300,000 each, while runners-up earned USD 200,000.

Key Tournament Statistics

Boys

• Matches: 16

• Goals: 38

• Biggest win: Zambia 6-0 Comoros

Girls

• Matches: 16

• Goals: 68

• Biggest win: Zambia 11-0 Comoros