Defending champions Zambia have been drawn in Group B alongside 2022 semi-finalist Angola, Namibia and Madagascar at the COSAFA U20 Championship set for Maputo in Mozambique from September 26-October 5.

Zambia and Angola will renew their rivalry at the regional tournament having last met at the semi-final stage at Somhlolo stadium in Eswatini in 2022, with the young Chipolopolo winning 3-2 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

12 teams will compete for the regional trophy at the competition that serves as qualifiers for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations next year. The finalists at this year’s COSAFA will qualify for the continental showpiece.

Group A has hosts Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana while South Africa, Malawi, Comoros and Lesotho complete Group C.

The group games will take place from September 26 to October 1, with the semifinals to be played two days later. The final will be on October 5, and there will be no third-place play-off.

Zambia are record 12-time winners of the COSAFA U20, followed by South Africa with eight, Zimbabwe with six, and Madagascar and Mozambique with one title each.