Hosts South Africa and Madagascar produced victories on match day four of the Hollywoodsbets Cosafa Cup at the Toyota Stadium in Manguang, Bloemfontein, on Saturday.
South Africa kept their semifinal hopes alive with a 2-0 Group A victory over Zimbabwe, the first time they have defeated their old foes in the competition.
Kabelo Dlamini converted a first half penalty, while Ime Okon headed in a second goal near the end to make sure of the points.
Kabelo Dlamini makes no mistake from the penalty spot 🎯
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 7, 2025
Bafana Bafana get their first of match and the tournament.
📺 Stream on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc pic.twitter.com/YNxYELu2EW
South Africa wasted numerous other opportunities to score but will be pleased with the win and the clean sheet.
South Africa win for the first time at #COSAFACup2025
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 7, 2025
Kabelo Dlamini and Ime Okon on the scoresheet ✅#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/g8ySKessxF
Mozambique and Mauritius played to a 0-0 draw in the other game in Group B, with The Mambas dominating the chances with their 13 attempts at goal compared to just five for the islanders.
But it was another solid display from Mauritius following their 0-0 draw in their opener against Zimbabwe that leaves them still in contention for a semifinal place going into the final round of fixtures.
Nothing to separate 🇲🇿 Mozambique and Mauritius 🇲🇺#COSAFACup2025 pic.twitter.com/yE6pxanZvu
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) June 7, 2025
Mauritius will be without defender Jean Pascal Colin for their final pool game against South Africa on Tuesday after he received two yellow cards and was sent off in the closing minutes against Mozambique.
Mozambique head the Group A table with four points from two games ahead of their final fixture against Zimbabwe, followed by South Africa (3 points), Mauritius (2) and Zimbabwe (1).
All teams remain in contention for the semifinals.
Madagascar opened the three-team Group C with a 1-0 win over East African guest nation Tanzania in the final game on Saturday.
The only goal of the match came on 29 minutes and was scored by Toky Rakotondraibe, who fired low into the back of the net.
Tanzania are now on the back foot in the pool and must beat Eswatini in their next game, and hope the latter defeat the Malagasy to stand a chance of reaching the semifinals.
ANGOLA v LESOTHO, NAMIBIA v MALAWI
The action continues on Sunday with two more games in Group B.
Angola continue the defence of their title when they face Lesotho at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium (12pm CAT).
Angola were held 1-1 by Namibia in their opening game, while Lesotho defeated Malawi 1-0.
Another victory for Lesotho will see Palancas Negras eliminated, so the minimum they need is a draw.
Angola have met Lesotho more than any other team in the competition, with this being their ninth clash.
Angola lead the head-to-head 5-2 with one draw from the previous eight games.
Namibia take on Malawi at 3pm CAT in a battle between two sides who need a win.
Malawi certainly cannot afford to drop more points with only the top team in each pool advancing to the semifinals.
Namibia and Malawi have clashed in six previous occasions in the tournament with the Namibians 3-1 ahead to go with two draws.
SATURDAY’S RESULTS
Group A – Toyota Stadium
Mozambique 0 Mauritius 0
South Africa 2 (Dlamini 40’pen, 78’) Zimbabwe 0
Group C – Toyota Stadium
Tanzania 0 Madagascar 1 (Rakotondraibe 29’)
