South Africa Vs Zimbabwe

In the ongoing 2025 COSAFA Cup, South Africa and Zimbabwe, two familiar adversaries, clashed at the Free State Toyota Stadium on Saturday afternoon, both seeking their first victory in the tournament.

South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, entered the match at the bottom of Group A following a midweek defeat to Mozambique. Despite dominating possession with 70% and registering 11 shots on goal, they succumbed to a 1-0 loss, courtesy of a 74th-minute goal by Antonio Sumbane . Head coach Vela Khumalo expressed disappointment over missed opportunities but remained optimistic about rectifying the team's attacking issues before their next game.

Zimbabwe, the Warriors, had a slightly better start, securing a point after a goalless draw against Mauritius. The match was notable for the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which disallowed a first-half goal by Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya for offside. Captain Andrew Mbeba nearly clinched a win in stoppage time, but his header narrowly missed the target. Stand-in coach Tagarira Marange acknowledged the team's lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, noting that the Warriors are now winless in their last seven matches .

In their encounter on Saturday, South Africa managed to secure a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe, marking a significant turnaround in their campaign . This win not only provided Bafana Bafana with their first points in the tournament but also extended their unbeaten run against Zimbabwe since September 2013.

The match was a testament to South Africa's resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. With this victory, they have revitalized their hopes in the COSAFA Cup, demonstrating that early setbacks can be overcome with determination and strategic adjustments.

As the tournament progresses, both teams will aim to build on their performances, with South Africa looking to maintain their momentum and Zimbabwe striving to break their winless streak. The dynamics of Group A remain competitive, and the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the teams advancing to the next stages of the competition.

The 2025 COSAFA Cup continues to showcase the passion and talent of Southern African football, with each match offering thrilling moments and narratives that captivate fans across the region.