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SOUTH Africa were crowned 2018 MOPANI Copper Mines Cosafa Under-20 Championship winners after defeating Zimbabwe 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out after yesterday’s final finished 1-1 at the Nkana Stadium.

The South Africans retain the title they won last year to move to seven on the all-time winners list, one ahead of Zimbabwe, but still behind Zambia’s 11 wins.

Goalkeeper and captain Khulekani Kubheka saved two spot-kicks in the shoot-out to seal the victory after an evenly contested final that could have gone either way.

Delic Murimba had given Zimbabwe a second half lead, but the prolific Lyle Foster scored for the fourth game running to level matters and leave both players top of the scorers list for the tournament with five goals and a share of the Golden Boot.

Foster had an excellent chance to give South Africa the lead just before the half-hour mark, showing his immense strength to burst through the Zimbabwe defenders, but clipping the ball side of the post.

But it was Zimbabwe who broke the deadlock, a poor back pass from Nkosingiphile Ngcobo giving Murimba the opportunity to chip goalkeeper Kubheka. It was also the first goal South Africa had conceded in Zambia.

South Africa thought they had levelled when Zimbabwe substitute goalkeeper Frank Kuchineyi spilled a routine shot and Ngcobo turned the ball home. The assistant referee lifted his flag for offside in a very tight call.

Amajita were level on 84 minutes and it was Foster again to the rescue, as Player of the Tournament Promise Mkhuma controlled the ball into the box and put it on a plate for the Monaco-bound striker.

The game then went to penalties with Kubheka making saves from unlucky Zimbabwe takers Leonard Jani and Clive Rupiya

Angola claimed the bronze medal when they staged a late fight-back to defeat Zambia 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

It is the best result for the Angolans since they also finished third in 2013 and came after they scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game at Nkana Stadium.

Mkhuma was named Player of the Tournament, while the Golden Boot was shared between Foster and Murimba.

Zimbabwe gloveman, Tinotenda Ali, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Zambia won the Fair Play Award. — Cosafa