Football: Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) U-20 Challenge Cup 2022 |14 October 2022

Imra Raheriniaina (no.10) scored from the penalty spot in the 50th minute against Angola

Seychelles bow out of competition after three defeats in group stage

The young Seychelles team at the ongoing Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) U-20 Challenge Cup which is taking place in Eswatini has exited the competition after three defeats in the group stage.

The winners of the tournament will qualify for the Total Energies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Egypt 2023 early next year, which in turn acts as the qualifier for the Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) Under-20 World Cup to be played in Indonesia later in 2023.

In the competition which is taking place between October 7-16 at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba and the Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini, Seychelles were drawn in group B alongside defending champions Mozambique, Angola and Lesotho.

In their first group B match against champions Mozambique at the Mavuso Stadium, Seychelles lost 1-5, conceding as early as the 14th minute of play when Antonio Sumbane capitalised on the Seychelles’ goalkeeper being off his line to score with a well-taken strike to make it 1-0 before the break.

The young Seychelles selection were caught napping at the start of the second half as a goal by Chamito Alfandega doubled the scoreline before Denio Munhave put the game beyond reach with a well taken strike in the 55th minute.

The champions capitalised on the low morale of Seychelles as Djwa Ramos got a brace towards the end of the match while Jahni Nourice found the consolation goal for Seychelles to make it 5-1.

In their second group match, Seychelles were up against Lesotho, both entering the match after heavy defeats in their previous matches. After a slow start, both sides wanted to find their rhythm in search of a confidence-boosting goal to keep their chances of progression alive.

With the game looking at ending in a goalless stalemate, Neo Maieane found the all-important goal in the 85th minute to give Lesotho a vital win.

Seychelles’ third match was against Angola and they suffered a huge 1-8 defeat with Danilson Makokisa netting a hat-trick and João De Brito scoring a brace. Seychelles’ only goal came from an Imra Raheriniaina penalty in the 50th minute.

The semifinals of the tournament will be played today when defending champions Mozambique will take on South Africa, and Angola will play against Zambia.

Compiled by Roland Duval