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Group A in the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2025 started off to a rather disappointing play, with only one goal scored in the two matches played at the Toyota Stadium in Mangaung, Free State province on 4 June 2025.
The hosting nation, Bafana Bafana, kicked-off the tournament by playing against Mozambique at a relatively empty stadium; the two nations played a rather entertaining match that had the potential of having at least more than three goals.
VAR became an integral part of the matches as crucial decisions were reversed after consulting. Bafana Bafana had numerous scoring chances, but failed to convert them into goals. Mozambique scored the first goal of the tournament in the second half, but after consulting VAR, the referee said ‘no goal’.
But the team was not discouraged; they kept on pressing on South Africa and were later rewarded, scoring the opener. Bafana Bafana searched for an equaliser as the minutes were ticking away, they put pressure on Mozambique’s defence and got a penalty, after a protest by Mozambique players, the referee consulted VAR, which he returned to say ‘no penalty’.
Mozambique won the game 1-0 South Africa.
Later on, Mauritius took on Zimbabwe at the Toyota Stadium, both teams were strong and made a run at each other, they were however not able to capitalise on the chances they created. The two African nations played to a goalless draw.
South Africa will go up against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 7 June 2025, while Mozambique will face Mauritius.
Mozambique tops the Group A table with 3 points, while Mauritius is second and Zimbabwe third with single points, South Africa is at the bottom of the table with zero points.
Group B will kick-off its matches with Malawi going up against Lesotho at 3pm South African time. Angola will face Namibia at 6pm.
