Zimbabwe Bow Out of 2025 COSAFA Cup Despite Beating Mozambique
Zimbabwe ended their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign on a high note with a 3-1 win over Mozambique on Tuesday at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, but it wasn’t enough to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Zimbabwe Bow Out of 2025 COSAFA Cup
Despite the victory, the Warriors were eliminated after finishing second in Group A. Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa all ended the group stage with four points, but the hosts advanced thanks to a superior goal difference.
Thando Ngwenya was the standout performer, scoring a brace—first in the 26th minute and then from the penalty spot in the 33rd. Junior Makunike added the third in stoppage time. These were Zimbabwe’s first goals of the tournament.
Mozambique’s only goal came from Leonel Calsao in the 36th minute, but it wasn’t enough to stop Zimbabwe from claiming all three points.
South Africa topped Group A, followed by Zimbabwe, then Mozambique, with Mauritius finishing at the bottom.
Warriors Draw with Niger in Casablanca Friendly
Meanwhile, in Casablanca, Zimbabwe drew 1-1 with Niger in an international friendly at Stade Père-Jégo.
After a disappointing loss to Burkina Faso last Friday, the Warriors came out with purpose. Tinotenda Kadewere created an early chance just two minutes in, and Zimbabwe kept pressing. Their persistence paid off in the 9th minute when Gerald Takwara pounced on a loose ball to give his side the lead.
Niger slowly grew into the game and came close to equalising when Issa Djibrilla hit the post in the 23rd minute. More pressure followed, but a crucial block from Jonah Fabisch and a goal-line clearance by Teenage Hadebe kept Zimbabwe ahead going into the break.
Brentford’s Marley Tavaziva made his senior debut in the second half, replacing Elvis Chipezeze in goal. He was tested in the 71st minute when Niger were awarded a penalty, which they converted to level the score.
Walter Musona nearly restored Zimbabwe’s lead with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar. Khama Billiat and Terence Dzvukamanja were introduced in the 79th minute and brought a spark to the team, but neither side could find a winner before full-time.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Zimbabwe Bow Out of 2025 COSAFA Cup Despite Beating Mozambique appeared first on iHarare News.
