Zimbabwe exited the 2025 COSAFA Cup on Tuesday, 10 June, despite an impressive 3-1 win over Mozambique in their final Group A match at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The result saw Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and hosts South Africa all finish the group stage on four points.
However, South Africa topped the group due to a superior goal difference (+1), edging out Zimbabwe (0) and Mozambique (-1) to secure the sole semi-final spot available from the group. Mauritius ended bottom with three points.
FC Platinum forward Thandowenkosi Ngwenya starred for the Warriors, scoring twice in the first half.
Ngwenya opened the scoring in the 26th minute and converted a penalty in the 33rd.
Mozambique briefly responded through Leonel Calsao in the 36th minute, but Zimbabwe sealed the win in stoppage time with a goal from Junior Makunike.
The victory marked Zimbabwe’s first win and first goals of the tournament, following a goalless draw against Mauritius and a 2-0 loss to South Africa. However, the late offensive surge wasn’t enough to overturn the damage done in earlier matches.
Zimbabwe dominated the second half, pushing for more goals in a bid to boost their goal difference, but Mozambique’s defence held firm until the dying moments.
According to COSAFA rules, only group winners advance to the semi-finals, meaning Zimbabwe’s campaign ends despite a spirited final performance.
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