South Africa began the defence of their COSAFA U-20 Men’s Championship title with a 5-0 victory over Mauritius on Thursday evening.

Amajita, who won the tournament for the past two years, have seven debutants in their squad, which included SuperSport United midfielder Oswin Appolis who made his Absa Premiership debut just a few days ago.

The South Africans got off to the perfect start when Sinenjongo Mkiva broke the deadlock after nine minutes with a simple tap-in for his first-ever Cosafa goal

The defending champions did not have to wait that long for a second goal as Keagan Mitchell got his first Cosafa Cup goal in his second appearance for Amajita three minutes later.

Despite comfortably leading in the first half, South Africa head coach Helman Mkhalele was dealt a blow before the break when Mkiva suffered a knock and was unable to continue.

After spells of no real goal-mouth action in the second half, South Africa managed to bag a third goal in 73rd minute thanks to Appolis' strike.

Appolis was not done as the SuperSport attacker completed his brace with nine minutes remaining, before Athenkosi Mcaba rounded off the scoring in second-half stoppage time for the defending champions, who will now face Madagascar on Sunday.