Namibia finished runners up in the competition last year while Zimbabwe finished third.

Namibia have retained many of their players from last year so must be among the favourites to go all the way, while Zimbabwe are a traditional power in the region and will also be targeting a place in the final.

The match will take place on the artificial surface at the Molepolole Stadium in the village 50-kilometres west of the capital, Gaborone.

In Group C, South Africa open their campaign with a match against Mauritius in Gaborone which kicks-off at 15h00.

The South Africans are hopefully of a better performance in this competition from last year, when they did not register a win or even a goal. New coach Solly Luvhengo has huge respect in youth football and has selected a squad with some Premier Soccer League experience.

Mauritius will be no pushovers though having shown an improvement at this level. Last year they beat Zambia over two legs in the qualifiers for the 2011 African Youth Championships, and also did well in the next round against the might of Nigeria.

The second game at the venue is also from Group C and sees defending champions Zambia take on East African guests Tanzania at 17h30.

The Zambians have had an almost complete overhaul of their squad with a fresh bunch of youngsters, but are always competitive at this level and coach Keegan Mumba expects his side to be challenging for the title.

Tanzania are led by coach Kim Poulsen, who admits he knows little about the teams from this region, but is expecting a tough time for his players.

Over in Molepolole, the first game of the day at that stadium is in Group D sees Angola take on last year’s semifinalists Madagascar at 15h00.

The Malagasy surprised many with their performance in 2010, eventually finishing fourth, and will be looking for another good showing here.

Angola lost out to Zambia in the first round last year, but always bring competitive sides to the regional showpiece.

Botswana, Mozambique draw

Hosts Botswana opened their 2011 Metropolitan campaign with a 0-0 draw against Mozambique at the University of Botswana Stadium in Gaborone on Thursday.

The match was full of chances for both sides, but try as they might neither was able to find a breakthrough in front of an enthusiastic crowd in the rain.

Clesio Bauque had a headed chance for the Mozambicans early on which he put over the bar, before Jonas Tomocene had his effort cleared off the line by Mpho Kgaswane.

Tomocene then brought the best out of Botswana keeper Neo Kenalemang as the stopper put his stinging drive behind for a corner.

Mathews Moruti should have put the hosts ahead after Mozambique goalkeeper Jose Guirungo missed a cross, but Moruti's diving header flew inches wide of the upright.

Langa Mabuli had a great chance to put the hosts ahead with the goal at his mercy but shot wide in what would prove one of the last clear-cut opportunities of the game as both sides had to be content with a point.

Botswana play Swaziland in their second Group A clash next Tuesday, but before then the Mozambicans will have their chance against the tiny Kingdom on Sunday.

Malawi beat Seychelles

In the other game on Thursday, Malawi defeated Seychelles 2-0 at the same venue to get their campaign off to the perfect start.

Yamikani Chester struck the woodwork for Malawi early on, while at the other end, Laurent Vel's powerful drive shaved the crossbar for Seychelles.The opening goal of the game came on 38 minutes as Isaac Maluwa netted after great work down the flank from Tony Chitsulo, who put in an excellent cross.

Victor Mpingajira almost put Malawians 2-0 ahead but Seychelles keeper Dennis Auguste made an excellent stop, before the Young Flames did grab their second on 68 minutes as Mike Kaziputa blasted home after more good work from Man of the Match Chitsulo.

That was the way it stayed and it was a comfortable victory for the Malawians on their return to the regional showpiece after a few years on the sidelines.

They will play Lesotho in what is likely to be the group decider on Sunday, after which Seychelles and Lesotho meet on Monday.

By Staff reporter and agencies