CAF TotalEnergies Caf U17 AFCON 2026 | COSAFA Qualifiers Group-By-Group Focus
The race to the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations begins in Harare, Zimbabwe from September 11–20, where 12 teams will battle not only for regional bragging rights but also coveted spots at the continental finals next year.
With only the three group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semifinals, every game will carry knockout intensity.
GROUP A
Teams: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Comoros, Eswatini
Zimbabwe, champions in 2007, will have home support as they look to return to the top of the regional game. They’ve been consistent at youth level but face tough opposition in Mozambique, who have made strides in junior football. Comoros and Eswatini arrive as underdogs, but both nations are eager to prove themselves on this stage.
Fixtures:
Sept 11: Comoros vs Eswatini (12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 11: Zimbabwe vs Mozambique (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 13: Mozambique vs Comoros (12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 13: Zimbabwe vs Eswatini (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 15: Eswatini vs Mozambique (15h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sept 15: Zimbabwe vs Comoros (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
GROUP B
Teams: Zambia, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi
This is the headline pool, with defending champions Zambia and serial finalists South Africa drawn together. Zambia are the most successful team in COSAFA U17 history with four titles, while South Africa have reached eight finals, winning three. They’ll be pushed by Madagascar, who continue to build their reputation after senior-level success, and Malawi, a past winner in 2001, who are dangerous at youth level.
Fixtures:
Sept 12: Madagascar vs Malawi (12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 12: Zambia vs South Africa (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 14: South Africa vs Madagascar (12h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sept 14: Zambia vs Malawi (15h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sept 16: Malawi vs South Africa (12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 16: Zambia vs Madagascar (12h00, Hearts Stadium)
GROUP C
Teams: Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Lesotho
Last year’s beaten finalists Angola are favourites to progress, having twice lifted the COSAFA U17 crown. They’ll face a spirited Botswana, a youthful Mauritius, and Lesotho, who are seeking their first continental breakthrough. With Zambia and South Africa stacked together in Group B, this pool offers a clearer path to the semifinals for Angola, if they can avoid surprises.
Fixtures:
Sept 12: Mauritius vs Lesotho (12h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sept 12: Angola vs Botswana (15h00, Hearts Stadium)
Sept 14: Botswana vs Mauritius (12h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 14: Angola vs Lesotho (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 16: Lesotho vs Botswana (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium)
Sept 16: Angola vs Mauritius (15h00, Ngoni Mwos Stadium
