Chipolopolo Eye Regional Glory in Competitive Group Stage Battle
The 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup is set to kick off in Mangaung, South Africa, from June 4 to 15, and Zambia has been drawn into Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana. With only the top team in each group advancing to the semifinals, Zambia’s path to an eighth COSAFA crown will be anything but straightforward.
The Chipolopolo, who boast a record seven COSAFA Cup titles, will look to reclaim the title they last won in 2019. After falling short in the 2024 edition, the pressure is on for Avram Grant’s side to deliver silverware as the regional tournament returns to the spotlight.
Group D Challenge: Botswana and Comoros Await
Zambia will open their group campaign against Botswana, a side showing signs of rejuvenation and tactical discipline in recent years. Comoros, often viewed as underdogs, have been steadily improving and could pose a serious threat if underestimated.
Given the tournament’s single-qualification rule, where only group winners progress to the semifinals, every match will be crucial. Zambia will need to maintain focus and discipline across all fixtures to ensure progression, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming in September.
Tough Paths Ahead: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Morocco in the Mix
The tournament draw, conducted on Wednesday, unveiled several blockbuster clashes. Group A will feature hosts South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Mauritius. With South Africa and Zimbabwe both hungry to return to regional dominance, this group promises fireworks.
Angola, the defending champions, headline Group B alongside Namibia, Malawi, and Lesotho. The Palancas Negras famously thumped Namibia 5-0 in last year’s final, making them one of the favourites again.
In Group C, North African guests Morocco, who captured the world’s imagination with their 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal run, will lock horns with Madagascar and Eswatini.
Free State Set to Host COSAFA’s Best
The 2025 COSAFA Cup will be held in Mangaung for the first time, with matches scheduled at the iconic Free State Stadium—a 2010 FIFA World Cup venue—and the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium. The tournament will be televised live on SABC and SuperSport, and streamed worldwide via FIFA+, ensuring fans across the globe can follow every moment.
As the regional event serves as a key preparatory platform for World Cup qualifying, national teams are expected to field strong squads in pursuit of both fitness and form.
Potential Semi-Final Blockbuster Awaits
Should Zambia finish top of Group D, they will face the Group A winner, setting up a potential semifinal showdown with South Africa or Zimbabwe—a clash that could define Chipolopolo’s tournament journey.
