This year’s event in Lilongwe is not the first time that COSAFA has assisted with the football competitions at the Region 5 Games, having also been part of previous contests, though with a slight twist.

This will be the second time that both the Boys’ and Girls’ events have been at Under-17 level, with the latter having been previously played as an Under-20 competition.

Here is a look back at who were the winners down the years.

2014 AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – BULAWAYO
Boys’ Under-17 competition
The tournament was won by Zambia, who had entered an Under-20 team into the Under-17 competition. As such, they dominated throughout and beat hosts Zimbabwe 3-0 in the final. Zambia had a young Patson Daka playing for them.

Girls’ Under-20 competition
South Africa claimed the gold medal with a thumping 5-1 win over Namibia in their final pool match of the competition, continuing their excellent form at the tournament. Botswana finished second to take the silver, and hosts Zimbabwe won the bronze.

2016 AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – LUANDA
Boys’ Under-20 competition
The Boys played in the Under-20 category on this occasion, and it was Zimbabwe who proved victorious with a 1-0 win over Angola in the final. It took an extra-time winner from Anelka Chivandire to claim the victory. Zambia took the bronze medal as they beat Eswatini 4-2 in the third-place play-off.

Girls’ Under-20 competition
South Africa retained their title following a thumping 5-0 victory over Namibia in the decider. Two current Banyana Banyana stars were among the scorers as Karabo Dlamini grabbed a hattrick and Linda Motlhalo scored a brace. They have both become huge stars plying their trade overseas.

2018 AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – GABORONE
Boys’ Under-17 competition
It was back to a Boys Under-17 competition three years ago and Tanzania came out on top as they edged Angola in the final on penalties. The match finished 1-1, but the Tanzanians claimed the shoot-out 6-5. Eswatini claimed bronze with a 1-0 win over Zambia in the third-place play-off.

Girls’ Under-20 competition
South Africa were champions once again, though this time it was closer in the final as they edged Botswana 1-0. Lindokuhle Gladile scored the only goal of the game on 75 minutes. Zimbabwe took home the bronze with a 2-0 win over Namibia.

 

2020 AUSC REGION 5 GAMES – MASERU
Boys’ Under-17 competition
These competitions were staged in December 2021 having been postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Angola were crowned champions when they defeated Zambia 2-1 in what was a hard-fought final. Malawi picked up the bronze medal with a 4-0 success over Eswatini. The competition constituted six teams.

Girls’ Under-17 competition
There were a girls’ Under-17 competition played for the first time, a departure from the Under-20s that had gone before. Severe travel restrictions meant only three sides took part though as Zambia defeated Botswana 4-0 in the final. Namibia were the third team but lost both their pool matches.