The seven Cosafa representatives at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have endured a challenging start to the tournament, with only South Africa’s Bafana Bafana managing to secure maximum points on matchday one.
While Hugo Broos’ South African side delivered a memorable performance against fellow regional rivals Angola, the remaining Cosafa nations faced mixed fortunes. Zambia’s Chipolopolo showed fighting spirit to salvage a late draw, but Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Comoros all suffered defeats in their opening fixtures.
Bafana Bafana Break 21-Year Drought with Stunning Victory
Lyle Foster’s moment of magic gave South Africa their first opening-match victory at AFCON in 21 years, as Bafana Bafana defeated Angola 2-1 in a thrilling all-Cosafa clash in Marrakech.
The Burnley striker’s curling masterpiece from 25 yards in the 79th minute proved decisive, giving the 2023 bronze medallists the perfect start to their Group B campaign. Oswin Appollis had earlier given South Africa the lead with neat footwork in the box, only for Angola’s Show to level before halftime with a clever touch from Fredy’s free-kick.
Ronwen Williams was solid in goal for Bafana Bafana, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi rattled the crossbar with a thunderous effort from distance as South Africa dominated proceedings despite having a goal disallowed for offside.
Daka Rescues Point for Chipolopolo in Dramatic Fashion
Zambia kept their AFCON hopes alive with a heart-stopping 92nd-minute equaliser through Patson Daka, earning a 1-1 draw against Mali in Casablanca.
The Chipolopolo endured a frustrating evening, failing to register a single shot until the 73rd minute as Mali controlled large portions of the match. Lassine Sinayoko’s close-range finish just after the hour mark looked set to condemn Avram Grant’s side to defeat.
But Zambia’s never-say-die attitude paid off in stoppage time when Daka rose to head home Mathews Banda’s cross, sending the Zambian faithful into raptures. Goalkeeper Willard Mwanza was also heroic, saving El Bilal Touré’s first-half penalty to keep his side in the contest.
Heartbreak for Warriors as Salah Strikes Late
Zimbabwe’s Warriors came agonizingly close to a famous result against seven-time champions Egypt, only for Mohamed Salah to break Cosafa hearts with a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 defeat.
Prince Dube had stunned the Pharaohs with a composed finish in the 19th minute, giving Zimbabwe a shock lead. Despite Egypt’s overwhelming dominance and Omar Marmoush’s equaliser, the Warriors defended resolutely and looked set to claim a historic point.
However, Salah’s predatory instincts denied Zimbabwe what would have been a memorable result, firing home from 10 yards with time running out. Washington Arubi had made several crucial saves to keep his side in contention, but couldn’t prevent Egypt’s late heartbreak.
Mambas Valiant in Defeat to Champions
Mozambique’s long wait for an AFCON victory extended to 16 matches following a narrow 1-0 loss to defending champions Ivory Coast in Marrakech.
The Mambas battled courageously against the reigning champions, with goalkeeper Ernan Siluane producing several fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Amad Diallo’s strike four minutes into the second half proved the difference, his effort squirming through Reinildo Mandava’s legs.
Despite registering just one shot on target, Mozambique’s organization and determination nearly earned them a point against one of the continent’s strongest sides.
Zebras Overwhelmed by Senegalese Power
Botswana’s Zebras were handed a harsh AFCON lesson as Senegal cruised to a 3-0 victory in Tangier, with Nicolas Jackson scoring twice.
Goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko was Botswana’s standout performer, making a string of spectacular saves to keep the scoreline down. The Chelsea striker opened the scoring in the 40th minute before doubling his tally just before the hour mark.
Despite Phoko’s heroics throughout the match, Senegal’s quality eventually told, with Cherif Ndiaye adding a third in stoppage time. The Zebras remain winless in AFCON history and face a crucial match against Benin next.
Comoros Fall to Hosts in Tournament Opener
Les Coelacanthes became the first Cosafa casualty of the tournament, losing 2-0 to hosts Morocco in the opening match in front of a passionate home crowd.
Goalkeeper Yannick Pandor gave Comoros hope by saving Soufiane Rahimi’s 11th-minute penalty, but Morocco’s class eventually shone through. Brahim Díaz broke the deadlock early in the second half before substitute Ayoub El Kaabi produced a stunning bicycle kick that will be a strong contender for goal of the tournament.
Despite the defeat, Comoros showed glimpses of promise in only their second-ever AFCON appearance and will look to bounce back against Zambia.
Cosafa Standings After Matchday 1:
- Won: South Africa (1)
- Drew: Zambia (1)
- Lost: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Comoros, Angola (5)
The regional challenge continues as the Cosafa nations look to build on these mixed results in the coming days.
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