Africa-Press – Namibia. NAMIBIA face Mozambique for Cosafa u20 honours in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa on Sunday.
Following a goalless 90 minutes, a ten-man Mozambique shocked holders Zambia 5-4 on penalties to reach the final on Friday afternoon, while Namibia edged Angola 1-0 in their semi earlier in the day. The duo also sealed their place at the u20 Africa Cup of Nations in Mauritania next year and are on track to potentially reach the u20 Fifa World Cup later in 2021.Neither Mozambique or Namibia have lifted the Cosafa trophy at this age group before. Mozambique held off defending champions Zambia to a goalless draw despite playing the final 52 minutes with 10 men following a straight red card for defender Belarmino Manhice.The incident angered the Mozambican bench and coach Dario Monteiro was also sent to the stands.It was a shock result after Zambia had breezed into the semi-finals, but they will not be able to add to their 11 previous title wins this year. The Young Warriors claimed their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Angola that was played in very windy conditions at the Wolfson Stadium.Angola had much of the play, but Namibia seized the moment when it presented itself and took their chance. Captain Steven Damaseb, who had scored the goal against the Comoros that got Namibia to the semi-finals, lined-up a long-range free-kick.His effort was caught by the wind and swerved at the last moment, beating Angola goalkeeper Manuel Antonio with a shot that the latter would have felt he should save.The final will kick-off at 15h00 and the bronze medal match before that at 12h00.The payer of the tournament, who will be announced after the final on Sunday, will travel to Spain next year for an experience with top LaLiga side Villarreal CF, where he will train, meet the players and understand what it takes to be a professional in one of the world’s best leagues.
