South Africa claimed a deserved 3-1 victory over Botswana at the African Union Sports Commission (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on Friday.

The South Africans netted goals via Amogelang Motau on the stroke of halftime, and then two more in the second period through Mosili Makhoali and Amanda November. Botswana had briefly equalized through Refilwe Tholakele.

Two early goals set Zimbabwe on their way to a 2-1 victory over Namibia.

Ethel Chinyere and Greater Bande scored for the host nation, but Namibia ensured a tense second half as they netted via Memory Ngonda. There were to be no further goals though.

The Mozambique men will be in action again in Group A on Saturday when they take on Swaziland at the Barbourfields Stadium with a 16h30 kick-off.

In another match in the same pool, Angola tackle Malawi at the Luveve Stadium with the same kick-off time.

Before that, Namibia and Lesotho will also face-off at the Luveve Stadium at 14h00.

The women’s competition resumes on Sunday, when Zimbabwe play South Africa (kick-off 15h30) and Botswana tackle Namibia (18h30), both at the Barbourfields Stadium.