Angola got their campaign off to a solid start with a 1-0 win over hosts Namibia in the second game in Group A.

The match was decided by a single strike from Angola’s Danilson Cundula, whose brilliant volley at the back post arrowed into the net. The action continues on Saturday when the first matches are played in Group B.

Eswatini meet Botswana at the UNAM Stadium at 12h00 CAT (10h00 GMT) and later in the afternoon South Africa clash with Zambia in a classic Southern Hemisphere showdown that is a repeat of the 2024 COSAFA U20 Championship final in Matola. Kick-off is 15h00 CAT (13h00 GMT).

The Under-20 women’s competition also got off to a fine start at the UNAM Stadium as Botswana edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in Group A, providing a disappointing day for both sides from the latter nation.

Zimbabwe took an early lead through Plaxina Blandason, but Botswana were level by the break as substitute Hope Lesotlo fired in a shot from 25 yards that is an early contender for goal of the tournament.

It looked as though the match would finish 1-1, but in the second minute of injury-time at the end of the game, a quick counterattack from Botswana allowed Amogolang Sebotho to score.

In the second game of the day, hosts Namibia and Malawi played to a goalless draw. Both sides had chances but neither could find the back of the net to get their campaigns off to a winning start.

The two Group B fixtures in the women’s competition on Saturday will be played at the Hage Geingob Stadium.

Eswatini play Angola at 12h00 CAT (10h00 GMT), while later in the afternoon there is another showdown between South Africa and Zambia, two of the pre-tournament favourites. That match is at 15h00 CAT (13h00 GMT).