Baby Warriors opens the COSAFA championship against Seychelles

The Baby Warriors should play against Seychelles in the opening match of the COSAFA Under-17 Championship currently underway in Mauritius today (Thursday)

This year's regional tournament has an added meaning as it serves as a qualifier for the 2019 African Under-17 Championships which will provide turn the four representatives of the continent to FIFA. World Cup in Peru next year.

The event of COSAFA, which will take place from July 19 to 29, will be the beginning of the 12-team world tour, all of which aim to win a place on the big stage.

will be played in two places in Mauritius, St Francis Xavier Stadium in Port Louis and Anjalay Stadium in Belle Vue.

There will be three matches on the first day in Port Louis, starting with a Group A clash between the 2016 winners in Namibia and Seychelles at 10:00 am (06:00 GMT).

Namibia came back after missing last year's competition, surprising several to win the title two years ago, and will again be fierce competitors under coach Paul Malembu [19659010]. Group B faced Mozambique, which narrowly missed the semifinals last year due to a difference in goals. The match will start at 12:30 (08:30 GMT).

Zambia is undoubtedly the tournament favorite, having always provided a competitive advantage at all age levels in the COSAFA region.

Host Mauritius, finalists defeated last year, begins its race for the title with a Group A clash against Botswana in the last game of the day at 15:30 (11:30 GMT).

as well as the best second will qualify for the semi-finals.