South Africa beat Zimbabwe in penalty shoot-out to win COSAFA Under 20 final

KITWE, Zambia – South Africa were crowned COSAFA Under 20 champions on Thursday after beating Zimbabwe in the final at the Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

Zimbabwe led through a 65th minute goal by Triangle striker Delic Murimba, but the South Africans hit back five minutes from time through Lyle Foster to force a penalty-shootout.

The tournament’s rules do not allow for extra time and Zimbabwe lost the lottery 4-3, an agonising end to a tournament that promised so much for Bekithemba Ndlovu’s men.

Zimbabwe, who last won the tournament in 2007, beat hosts Zambia 2-1 in the semi-finals to set up the final with the South Africans.

With the victory, South Africa were confirmed as the most successful junior team in the tournament which they have now won seven times, one better than Zimbabwe.