The 2024 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA CUP is set to take place in Gqeberha from June 26 to July 7. This tournament is a platform for young upcoming talent to showcase what they can do on the international stage and gain experience by rubbing shoulders with some of the bigger stars the continent has to offer. As football fans, we can expect exciting and closely contested matchups as only one nation can be crowned champions in the end.
7/10 Lesotho | Draw 23/10 | Seychelles 17/4
The first games in Group C are also at the iconic 2010 FIFA World Cup venue as last year’s beaten finalists Lesotho take on Seychelles. Having finished as runners-up in the 2023 edition of the competition, Likuena will be looking to go all the way and lift the trophy for the first time. Their strong form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers could play a factor in their upcoming HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup fixtures. Despite being one of the smallest nations, they have proven not to be a side to be taken lightly, having held the West African giants Nigeria to a goalless draw and put two past Zimbabwe without reply. Their opponents in this one have been experiencing all sorts of problems having experienced seven straight losses. Seychelles started partaking in the competition in 2005 and are yet to go past the first round. They will be out to avenge the 2-1 loss that they suffered in their last meeting with Lesotho, however, it will not be easy as they have been to refuse to go down easily. Lesotho will edge Seychelles.
9/10 Angola | Draw 22/10 | Namibia 3/1 (18:00)
Three-time champions Angola are making their 17th appearance at this year’s COSAFA Cup. They take on 2015 champions Namibia in the opening fixture of Group C. Both teams tend to take this tournament seriously and we as fans should expect an action-packed opening fixture. Angola coach, Pedro Goncalves, will approach this fixture with the intention of winning at all costs as it will set the tone for the remaining fixtures in the group. Namibia on the other hand will want to have a more measured approach, soak up pressure, and play on the counterattack. Angola got the better of Namibia earlier this year at the Africa Cup of Nations in a 3-0 demolition, which could be a source of motivation and inspiration to go out and do it again. Back Angola for the win.
Written by Desh Parthab.