Defending champions South Africa will meet hosts Zambia in the final of the Cosafa Under-20 Championships after both won their semifinal matches at the Nkoloma Stadium, in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday.
South Africa edged Madagascar on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Zambia defeated Angola 3-0 in the other semi-final.
Zambia, who will seek a first victory in the competition since 2016, eased past Angola as two goals from Patrick Gondwe set them on their way. The prolific Francisco Mwepu added a third for what was a comprehensive victory.
South Africa sealed their place in the final with a thrilling comeback after they had gone 2-0 down to Madagascar in the first half.
They rallied for the draw and then claimed the penalty shoot-out 5-4 to seal a fourth consecutive visit in the final.
Madagascar took the lead through Aristide Ranaivo Harison and it was 2-0 just before the half-hour mark as they increased their advantage when Randianantenaina Arnaud netted a 25-yard free-kick.
South Africa pulled a goal back when the excellent Oswin Appollis beat two defenders in the box, before placing a low shot in the bottom corner.
And with just a minute remaining on the clock in injury-time, he was able to make it 2-2 after drilled another low shot into the corner of the net to send the game to penalties.
South Africa scored all of their spot-kicks, with the Malagasy striking the crossbar with their fifth effort.
Zambia and South Africa clash in the final on Saturday at 3 pm, with the latter seeking a hat-trick of titles after they claimed wins in 2017 and 2018.
The bronze-medal match between Madagascar and Angola will kick-off at 11.30 am.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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