BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – Zimbabwe’s COSAFA Cup survival now hinges on a miracle after a 2-0 loss to South Africa on Saturday at Bloemfontein’s Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.
The Warriors, stranded at the bottom of Group A with just one point, face elimination unless they conquer Mozambique in their final match on Tuesday — and even that may not be enough.
The match began brightly for Zimbabwe, but a 5th-minute defensive error handed South Africa a penalty, ruthlessly converted for an early lead. Despite flashes of resistance, Zimbabwe never recovered.
South Africa sealed victory when Kabelo Dlamini struck late, exposing the Warriors’ fragility.
Mozambique tops the group (4 points) after a 1-1 draw with Mauritius (2 pts), while South Africa (3 points) leapfrogs the Warriors.
For the Warriors to advance, they must beat Mozambique and hope South Africa loses or draws against Mauritius.
A win would lift Zimbabwe to 4 points, but if South Africa wins, they’ll finish on 6 points — eliminating the Warriors regardless of their result.
Zimbabwe’s tournament life now dangles by a thread. Victory against Mozambique is non-negotiable, but their fate rests equally on the outcome of South Africa’s clash with Mauritius.
The Warriors’ COSAFA dream — barring a stunning twist — is 90 minutes away from collapse.
