COSAFA Cup: Regional tournament to boost AFCON preparations

Southern African national teams are gearing up for another exciting edition of the COSAFA Cup, set to be hosted in Bloemfontein, South Africa, between 4 – 15 June.

South Africa host Mozambique in the opening match of the tournament.

This year’s edition carries even more significance for 8 of the 14 participating nations, who will not only be aiming at lifting the regional title, but fine-tuning their squads ahead of two crucial CAF competitions set for later this year.

Angola, Botswana, Comoros, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe and East African invitational side, Tanzania head to the regional tournament with the aim of strategically using this competition to refine their tactics, assess squad depth, and build momentum this year’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

The tournament will take place between 21 December 2025 and 18 January 2026.

Of the seven COSAFA nations that have qualified for AFCON, only South Africa and Zambia have went on to lift to continental crown, while East African nation, Tanzania, are yet to lift the coveted title.

South Africa, drawn in Group A alongside Zimbabwe and Mozambique, will be eager to make the most of home advantage.

Coach Hugo Broos, who guided Bafana Bafana to an impressive podium finish in Cote d’Ivoire last year has emphasised the importance of squad rotation, and the COSAFA Cup provides the perfect setting to test different combinations.

Zimbabwe, returning to the AFCON finals after missing the last edition, will focus on squad cohesion and tactical discipline. Mozambique, last year’s COSAFA Cup bronze medallists, will aim to sharpen their attacking play and defensive organization.

Angola, Botswana, and Zambia find themselves in Group D of the COSAFA Cup, making it one of the most competitive pools that will work toward their advantage in their fine-tuning of their squads.

Angola, the defending COSAFA champions, will want to ensure their defensive stability matches their offensive prowess. Botswana, eager to make a statement, will focus on improving their attacking efficiency and defensive resilience.

Zambia, a former TotalEnergies CAF AFCON champion (2012), has a rich history in the competition and will look to use their experience to gain an edge.

Comoros and Tanzania, drawn together in Group C, will also benefit from the COSAFA Cup experience.

Comoros, a rising force in African football, will aim to strengthen their squad chemistry and tactical discipline.

Tanzania’s inclusion in the tournament adds an interesting dynamic, as they are preparing for both the AFCON and African Nations Championships CHAN later in the year.

Tanzania will co-host CHAN together with East African neighbours Kenya and Uganda.