Malawi, Zambia to revive rivalry at Cosafa tourneys
Malawi and Zambia Under-17 and Under-20 national football teams will revive their rivalry at Cosafa competitions to be held in South Africa.
Just like the Cosafa Women’s Championship, Malawi has been drawn against their neighbours in the Under-20 and Under-17 championships.
The Under-17 national football team is in Group B alongside champions Zambia, Botswana and Comoros while the Under-20 national team has been drawn in Group B together with Zambia, Namibia and Comoros.
The Under-20 Group A has South Africa, Zimbabwe Mozambique and Lesotho in what is regarded as a group of death at the December 3-13 event.
Three-team Group C comprises Angola, e-Swatini (formerly Swaziland) and Botswana.
Only the top team in each pool and the best-placed runners-up will advance to the semi-finals with the two finalists to earn a place in Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Meanwhile, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe and e-Swatini (formerly Swaziland) have been drawn in Group A of Under-17 Championship to be held from November 19-29.
Group winners and runners-up will proceed to the semi-finals.
The two sides that contest in the final of the 2020 competition will also earn their place at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Last year, Malawi hosted the Under-17 tournament but the junior Flames failed to reach the semi-finals.
They beat South Africa but went on lose to E-swatini and Zambia in a three-team group.
Coach DeKrerk Msakakuwona said this time they will ensure they proceed to the semi-finals.
At the Under-20 tournament Malawi also failed to reach the semi-final after they lost to host and eventual champions Zambia, beat Comoros and were held by Botswana.
Meanwhile, Malawi Under-17 will regroup next week in preparation for the tournament, according to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) director of competitions and communication Gomezgani Zakazaka.
“We already did Covid-19 tests for players last week. The squad will be out by the end of the week before the team goes into camp. As for the Under-20, the programme is not yet out since the competition will be held in December,” he said.
Under-20 coach Patrick Mabedi will make a debut at the Cosafa tournament following his appointment early this year.
