This Saturday, June 29th, 2024, South Africa and Botswana do battle in the COSAFA Cup. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the two nations who will contest the tie at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha.
To win (90 min)
South Africa 5/10
Draw 28/10
Botswana 56/10
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing opening-day draw as they take on Botswana in the COSAFA Cup. The hosts led six minutes before halftime when captain Rushwin Dortley struck the ball home from Ethan Brooks’ excellent assist, adding to the list of Bafana Bafana players who have netted on debut.
But Mozambique were level midway through the second half when Chamito Alfandega netted to make the score 1-1. Both sides pushed for a winner after that, but the goal would not come and they had to settle for a share of the spoils.
With the group still in the balance, coach Helman Mkhalele has assured that they will improve. “The players are coming from off-season and they had three days to train,” Mkhalele told the media during the post-match press conference of their tournament opener. He went on to add, “What I will work on in the next two games is more of our defensive organization. I’m quite happy that the boys understand how I want them to play.”
BOTSWANA
Similarly, Botswana also played out a draw in the first of their three group fixtures. Their clash with Eswatini on matchday 1 was an exciting goalless draw in the tournament opener, where both goalkeepers made outstanding saves.
During that one, their opponent Eswatini had the better of the play with 11 goal attempts, six of which were on target, while Botswana was restricted to four shots at goal. This time around, I am sure Didier Gomes Da Rosa will look to go on the offensive.
It is a solid start to the campaign for both teams in what is likely to be a hotly-contested pool and this one could produce fireworks. With both nations showing a good account of themselves, they will want to go one further and secure a pivotal victory in their bid for qualification into the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: South Africa win
South Africa’s recent form and historical dominance over Botswana point towards a comfortable win. However, the Bafana Bafana’s recent string of draws suggests they might struggle to convert their chances. I expect this one to be a competitive match, but victory goes to the hosts.
Written by Desh Parthab