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FIRING BLANKS: A loss or draw against Zimbabwe will still leave hosts in the bottom of Group B
By Sports Reporter
There will be no love lost when South Africa meets Zimbabwe in their second match of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup 2025 e Toyota Stadium on Wednesday.
Mozambique were the biggest winners on day one of the tournament as they defeated hosts South Africa, while Mauritius held Zimbabwe to a 0-0 draw at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday. Languishing at the bottom of Group A with zero points for their efforts, SA have all to do against Zimbabwe if they want to continue their stay in the tournament after a disappointing start.
The South Africans missed several opportunities in the first half and then struggled to find their rhythm in the second period, eventually conceding the crushing goal by Antonio Sumbane in the 73rd minute that ultimately cost the home side the match.
Coach Vela Khumalo could not contain his disappointment following the defeat on the opening day of the regional tournament. It is not the best way to start the tournament. Performance-wise, I thought we played well, we played the way we wanted to play. One will then say what needs to be improved on, going back to the training sessions and how we convert our chances,” he said speaking to Supersport TV..“I think in the first stanza we had too many entries into the box and in the final third, but we could not score. We were rushing thing when we got into the box. In the second half we spoke to the players about this and made the team aware of it. We even made the team aware that the only way Mozambique could score was if they got us on transition, which is exactly what they did.
“You know when you are a position-based team, you get carried away with the moment. I think we need to concentrate more, tactically be disciplined and convert our chances. We created enough chances to win the game, but we couldn’t.
Bafana were given a penalty with 10 minutes remaining but the Video Assistant Referee came into effect and the decision was overturned leaving the home side staring at defeat. Performance-wise, Khumalo was optimistic, saying they have to go back and work on their finishing.
On VAR, he added:“ VAR is a good things because it is where the world is going. But I think the officials are taking too long to make decisions and that kills the momentum of the game.”
Kick-off 3pm.
