Harare, Zimbabwe – Hosts Zimbabwe secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Namibia, claiming the bronze medal. The Girls’ third-place play-off saw Mozambique comfortably defeating Namibia 4-0.
South Africa emerged victorious in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories for the second consecutive year. South Africa’s predominantly Ubuntu Football Academy School team faced off against Malawi. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Rhys Ferguson’s crucial goal taking the game to penalties. South Africa claimed gold with a flawless penalty shootout, securing a 3-0 victory.
Simama Inganathi from South Africa was awarded the Boys’ Player of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Sabrie Losper took home the Golden Glove. Rhys Ferguson and Zimbabwe’s El Shaddai Sadomba shared the Golden Boot, having scored four goals each. Hosts Zimbabwe received the Fair Play award.
On the Girls’ front, South Africa’s Edendale Technical High School team triumphed over Botswana with a 3-1 scoreline. Khwezi Khoza, the leading scorer of the tournament with 11 goals, played a pivotal role in securing the Girls’ title for South Africa. Teammate Simama Inganathi was named Player of the Tournament, while Angel Zibula won the Golden Glove, and Khwezi Khoza received the Golden Boot.
Namibia received the Fair Play prize in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories, highlighting their commitment to sportsmanship and fair play throughout the tournament.
The winning associations in both categories will take home $100,000, with the runners-up receiving $75,000, and the third-place teams awarded $50,000.
