Harare, (New Ziana) – The Under 17 national soccer team faces a must win clash against Comoros on Monday in the COSAFA U17 Championship, to keep their hopes alive for continental qualification.
The crucial Group A encounter will take place at Ngoni Stadium in Norton. Zimbabwe must secure a straight win to stay in the tournament and stand a chance of progressing to the next round.
A win would revive Zimbabwe’s dream of qualifying for next year’s CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top three finishers at the COSAFA tournament earning a spot at the continental showpiece.
Twelve teams are battling it out in the regional tournament for a place at the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for next year in Morocco. Only the three group winners and the best runner up will advance to the semi finals, meaning every match feels like a knockout game.
Zimbabwe lost its first game to Mozambique by a goal to nill before playing out a goalless draw against Eswatini. They are placed in Group A alongside Mozambique, Comoros, and Eswatini.
Comoros currently top the group with 4 points, followed by Mozambique also on 4 points. Zimbabwe sit third with 1 point, just ahead of bottom placed Eswatini, who also have 1 point but an inferior goal difference.
In the tournament’s history, Zambia have been the most successful side with four COSAFA U17 titles, while South Africa have reached the final eight times and claimed the championship on three occasions.
New Ziana
