Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe 0-2 South Africa
ZIMBABWE’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stages of the 2025 Cosafa Cup were left hanging by a thread following a 2-0 defeat to South Africa in their Group A encounter at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
The result leaves the Warriors on the brink of elimination.
South Africa, chasing a record-extending sixth Cosafa title, rebounded from a shock opening defeat to Mozambique with a much-improved performance against Zimbabwe.
Kabelo Dlamini opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half, before Ime Okon added a second in the 78th minute to seal a deserved victory.
The Warriors, by contrast, were lacklustre and disjointed throughout, failing to register a single shot on target across 90 minutes.
Their few moments of promise were swiftly extinguished by a disciplined South African defence. Goalkeeper Martin Mapisa emerged as one of the few bright spots for Zimbabwe, pulling off several impressive saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
The defeat leaves Zimbabwe languishing at the bottom of Group A with just one point from two matches, following their opening-day draw with Mauritius. Even a win against Mozambique on Tuesday would not be enough to guarantee progression unless South Africa drop points against Mauritius in their final group fixture.
Despite the dire situation, Warriors head coach Simon Marange insisted his side would not give up.
“We will play the last game like we did this one, we will compete,” said Marange, though he acknowledged the lack of attacking threat his side showed was concerning.
South Africa now sit on three points, one behind group leaders Mozambique, who were held to a goalless draw by Mauritius earlier in the day. A draw for Bafana Bafana in their final match would be enough to secure a semi-final berth and eliminate
Zimbabwe from the tournament.
South Africa controlled possession and tempo for large spells against Zimbabwe, with midfielders Dlamini and Okon not only providing the goals but also dictating play throughout.
This latest victory gives Bafana Bafana momentum going into Tuesday’s clash with Mauritius, also to be played at Toyota Stadium. Given their performance yesterday they will be favourites to advance, while Zimbabwe’s focus now turns to salvaging pride and hoping for a miracle in the final round of group matches.
As things stand, South Africa sit second in Group A behind Mozambique, who remain unbeaten but far from convincing.
Zimbabwe, once seen as dark horses, now face the very real prospect of an early exit.
