Zimbabwe’s Under-17 football team was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) COSAFA Qualifiers on Tuesday after losing 3-2 to Comoros at Ngoni Stadium.
The result confirmed a winless campaign for the Young Warriors, who finished bottom of Group A with just one point in three matches. It also marked their worst performance in the history of the competition as hosts.
Zimbabwe opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Mozambique, before being held to a goalless draw by Eswatini. Against Comoros, they scored their first goals of the tournament—one from Tadiwa Chakuchichi and the other an own goal—but defensive errors cost them the match.
Head coach Thulani Sibanda expressed disappointment after the game, saying his players were responsible for the costly mistakes.
Last year, Zimbabwe reached the semifinals, but their early exit this time highlights a setback in the team’s progress. The country last won the COSAFA U-17 tournament in 2007.
In the other Group A match on Tuesday, Mozambique beat Eswatini 4-0 to advance to the next round alongside Comoros.
Final Group A Standings
- Mozambique – 7 points
- Comoros – 7 points
- Zimbabwe – 1 point
- Eswatini – 1 point
