South Africa have warmed up for the 2017 Mopani Copper Mines COSAFA Under-20 Championships with a 5-0 victory over neighbours Lesotho, a confidence booster ahead of their showing at the regional competition in Zambia from December 6-16.

The teams clashed in Maputsoe, Lesotho on Sunday and it was the South Africans who were rampant against a team that has given them plenty of problems in the past.

South Africa got their opener as Patrick Maswanganyi combined well with Luvuyo Mkatshana to convert in the first 10 minutes. Amajita dominated the first half and managed their second goal six minutes later as Katlego Ntsabeleng.

Lesotho did their best to get back into the game, but Mkatshana got South Africa’s third goal five minutes after halftime.

Maswanganyi was then brought down in the box and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo stepped up to convert the penalty. Sifundo Sibiya came on as a late substitute and added a fifth in the 89th minute.

“Once again we would love to thank the Lesotho Football Association for the friendly match as we are surely coming together as a unit. I am very happy with the boys performance today, they are adapting very well to the tactical play we are implementing,” South Africa head coach Thabo Senong said.

“It is also great for their confidence that they are scoring goals ahead of the tournament. We will conclude this past week’s camp and finalise our COSAFA Under-20 Championships squad during the week, before returning to camp for our last road of preparations before traveling to Zambia.”

South Africa have a tough first round group as they tackle North African guest nation Egypt, Mozambique and Mauritius, with only the top team in each pool guaranteed a semifinal place, along with the best runner-up.

Lesotho have some work to do in preparation for the tournament as they take on Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola in Group C.

South Africa are five-time regional champions, while Lesotho are searching for their first trophy win.