By Agnes Amondi,

2019 silver medalists South Africa have been pooled then bronze medalists Zambia in group B for the COSAFA Women’s U17 Championship penciled for April 17 to 26 in Mauritius.

The group also includes rivals Zimbabwe and Comoros Islands which sets up intriguing matches.

Host nation Mauritius have been paired alongside last year’s semifinalist Botswana, Eswatini and Malawi in group A.

The eight competing teams have been split into two groups of four, but only the top two sides in each pool advance to the semifinals.

Two venues are scheduled to be used for the championships; St. François Xavier Stadium in Port Louis and Auguste Vollaire Stadium in Flacq.

The tournament will be played for the second time this year after its inaugural edition in 2019, which was also held in Mauritius.

Guest nation Uganda won the premier event after they beat South Africa 2-1 in the decider.

Group A

Mauritius, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi
Group B

South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros Islands