Zimbabwe faces elimination from the 2025 COSAFA Cup after losing 2-0 to South Africa at Toyota Stadium on Saturday. The Warriors managed only one point from two Group A matches and cannot advance without help from other teams. South Africa bounced back from their opening loss to Mozambique with a strong performance against Zimbabwe. Kabelo Dlamini scored from a penalty kick during the first half before Ime Okon added a second goal late during the match. The defeat leaves Zimbabwe at the bottom of their group with slim chances of reaching the semifinals.
Zimbabwe failed to create any dangerous attacks during the entire match and never forced the South African goalkeeper to make difficult saves. Martin Mapisa kept Zimbabwe competitive with several excellent stops that prevented a larger defeat. The Warriors looked confused and struggled to connect passes against organized South African defenders. Coach Simon Marange promised his team would compete hard against Mozambique despite their poor tournament performance. Zimbabwe needs to beat Mozambique and hope South Africa loses to Mauritius to have any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Zimbabwe failed to create any dangerous attacks during the entire match and never forced the South African goalkeeper to make difficult saves. Martin Mapisa kept Zimbabwe competitive with several excellent stops that prevented a larger defeat. The Warriors looked confused and struggled to connect passes against organized South African defenders. Coach Simon Marange promised his team would compete hard against Mozambique despite their poor tournament performance. Zimbabwe needs to beat Mozambique and hope South Africa loses to Mauritius to have any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.
