COSAFA Under-17 Girls' Championship Draw Finalized
Nine teams prepare for the regional soccer tournament taking place this December in Maputo.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Soccer
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COSAFA officials have completed the official draw for the upcoming Under-17 Girls' Championship. Nine nations will compete for the regional title in Maputo from December 4 to December 13, 2026.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a key regional stage for young talent as part of the broader Region 5 Games. Defending champions Zambia are looking to secure a fourth regional crown following back-to-back victories.
The tournament features nine teams divided into three groups. Zambia enters as the two-time defending champion, having defeated Malawi 3-0 in the 2025 final held in Namibia.
The players
COSAFA
The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations is a regional governing body that promotes and develops football across Southern Africa.
Zambia
The Zambian national youth team enters the competition as the two-time defending champion.
Mozambique
The host nation for the 2026 tournament finished in third place during the 2025 competition.
The details
The draw assigns host nation Mozambique, Angola, and Zimbabwe to Group A, while Zambia, Lesotho, and Eswatini form Group B. Group C features South Africa, Malawi, and Botswana, with all matches set to be played as part of the Region 5 Games.
Timeline
The 2025 final between Zambia and Malawi occurred in May 2025.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Maputo from December 4 to December 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
By integrating with the Region 5 Games, this tournament elevates the visibility of youth soccer within the regional sporting calendar. It forces teams like Mozambique to balance host pressure with the need to improve upon their 2025 third-place finish.
The grouping places Zambia alongside Lesotho and Eswatini, making them clear favorites to advance from Group B. Fans and scouts will monitor if Mozambique can utilize home-field advantage to improve on their 2025 bronze-medal performance against Zimbabwe.
The takeaway
The draw sets the stage for a competitive regional showdown as nine nations vie for the youth title in Maputo. Spectators should anticipate high-intensity matches as Zambia attempts to extend its dominance in the competition.
Further reading
For more news on international youth competitions, visit the Soccer section.
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