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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter
DESPITE their absence at the upcoming COSAFA Cup tournament to be held in South Africa next month, the Zimbabwe Warriors continue to hog the limelight as one of the most successful teams at the event.
The 22nd edition of the COSAFA tournament is set to be held in Durban, South Africa, from July 5-16 with Zimbabwe missing the tournament for the second year running due to a FIFA suspension.
COSAFA yesterday paid tribute to the Warriors, in their build up to the upcoming tournament, by recognising them for leading the table for all-time matches won.
“Despite having not competed last year, Zimbabwe still head the table of all-time Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup matches won, though Zambia may have designs of overhauling them at the 2023 competition that will be staged in Durban from July 5-16,” said COSAFA in a statement.
Zimbabwe have won 35 of their 62 games in past competitions, three more than Zambia and five ahead of South Africa. Zambia have played the most games (65) and have 32 wins to their name while South Africa are third with 30 victories from 56 games.
“In terms of win percentage, Zimbabwe lead the way having claimed victory in 56 percent of their games, followed by South Africa (54 percent) and Zambia (49 percent). Angola are the only other side above 40 percent.”
Zimbabwe are also recognised in the COSAFA tournament for holding the most goals scored after plundering 106 goals.
They are the only team to have reached a century of goals in the competition to date. But that record is under threat from Zambia, who have netted 91 times previously and will be looking to add to their tally next month.
“Zimbabwe’s Warriors will not be involved in the 2023 COSAFA Cup due to their FIFA suspension, but there is a real hope they will be back in 2024,” said COSAFA yesterday.
Zimbabwe is a country that has long been admired in the region for producing top talent and are the most successful nation in the COSAFA Cup tournament, along with Zambia, with six victories apiece.
The Warriors were crowned COSAFA champions in 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017 and 2018.
Midfielder Ovidy Karuru holds the record for the most goals scored in a single COSAFA Cup tournament when he netted six in the 2017 campaign.
Legendary coach Sunday Chidzambwa is the most successful coach in COSAFA Cup history with four titles, won in 2005, 2009, 2017 and 2018. He has never been beaten outright in a COSAFA Cup match, having coached in 19 games.
However, the Warriors are currently going through their most difficult period after they were suspended from international football by FIFA last year.
FIFA cited third party interference and the standoff is yet to be resolved. There is a danger the Warriors could miss the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The draw is expected to be conducted next month for the African qualifiers.
Top 5 All-Time COSAFA Cup table
P W D L GF GA
Zimbabwe 62 35 17 10 106 49
Zambia 65 32 22 11 91 49
South Africa 56 30 19 7 77 30
Namibia 59 23 18 18 77 61
Mozambique 60 20 15 25 60 74
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