Stalemates in Mangaung see Tanzania, Zambia eliminated

Madagascar and Eswatini played to a 1-1 draw in their HollywoodBets Cosafa Cup Group C clash at the Petrus Molemela Stadium on Monday, while Comoros and Botswana could not be separated at 0-0 in Group D.

They are a pair of results that see East Africa guest nation Tanzania and record seven-time HollywoodBets Cosafa Cup Zambia eliminated from contention for the semifinals in Bloemfontein | Mangaung. After the Malagasy defeated Tanzania in their opener, the point gained against Eswatini means the Taifa Stars can’t overhaul them at the top of the table.

But Eswatini will be able to do so when they face Tanzania on Wednesday. Madagascar took the lead in their clash through Lailana in the first half, but Eswatini hit back via Andy Magagula just past the hour mark. Comoros and Botswana played to a 0-0 draw in the second game in the three-team Group D, which has eliminated Zambia.

That is because Comoros have four points from their two games, and Zambia (0 points) only have a single fixture left against Botswana, who could yet reach the last4 with a win. It will be a bumper set of fixtures on Tuesday when four matches are played, with both Groups A and B concluded and the semifinalists revealed from those pools.

Mozambique need a win against Zimbabwe at the Toyota Stadium (kick-off 3pm CAT) to be assured of top spot in Group A, though all four teams remain in contention for a semifinal place.

 The Mambas head the pool with four points, followed by South Africa (3), Mauritius (2) and Zimbabwe (1). There are various scenarios that could even see Zimbabwe into the next stage, if they get a win against Mozambique, and South Africa and Mauritius draw at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium (kick-off 3pm CAT).

Zimbabwe have not lost to Mozambique (W3 D2) in their five previous HollywoodBets Cosafa Cup clashes. South Africa lead the head-to-head against Mauritius 3-1. It is the exact same scenario in Group B, where Angola head the table with four points, followed by Lesotho (3), Namibia (2) and Malawi (1). Angola face Malawi at the Toyota Stadium (kick-off 6pm CAT) and victory will guarantee top spot.

Anything else and it brings the other teams into play. Namibia taking on Lesotho at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium (kick-off 6pm CAT) with both knowing that victory is imperative. Angola have clashed seven times before with Malawi in the HollywoodBets Cosafa Cup and there have been two wins each to go with three draws. Namibia lead Lesotho 2-1 in the head-to-head with two draws.

All games will be streamed live on Fifa+, and you can follow the tournament at the dedicated HollywoodBets Cosafa CUP 2025 page.

MONDAY’S RESULTS Group C – Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium Madagascar 1 (Lalaina 41’) Eswatini 1 (Magagula 62’)

Group D – Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium Comoros 0 Botswana 0

 TUESDAY’S FIXTURES Group A – Toyota Stadium Mozambique v Zimbabwe (KO 3pm CAT)