SOUTH AFRICA V MOZAMBIQUE | WEDNESDAY 26 JUNE | NMB Stadium | 18:00
This Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, South Africa and Mozambique will clash in the COSAFA Cup. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the two nations who will contest the tie at NMB Stadium in Gqeberha.
To win (90 min)
South Africa 4/10
Draw 3/1
Mozambique 7/1
SOUTH AFRICA
Bafana Bafana comes into this year’s COSAFA Cup with a strong selection of youngsters. Stand-in coach Helman Mkhalele has named a youthful squad brimming with exciting talent for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, which kicks off in Gqeberha on Wednesday. The selection features several up-and-coming stars from the DStv Premiership.
The squad boasts a strong Western Cape influence. Cape Town City defender Keanu Cupido is joined by promising midfielder Jaedin Rhodes. Stellenbosch FC contributes a quartet of players: Thabo Moloisane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Antonio van Wyk, and Devin Titus. Cape Town Spurs also sends a duo of young forwards, Asanele Velebayi and Ashley Cupido.
I think the 2021 COSAFA Cup winners will adopt an attacking approach due to their home advantage and strong squad. During that trophy-bearing campaign, Victor Letsoalo leaped to the top of South Africa’s scoring charts with a hat-trick on debut against Lesotho and then grabbed a further goal in the semifinals against Mozambique. This time around, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thabang Sibanyoni will be looking to emulate this countryman’s antics against Mozambique.
MOZAMBIQUE
Under the leadership of coach Victor Matine, the Mozambican national team has been in camp for roughly two weeks. The players have assured fans of their determination to fight for a strong showing at the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
Coach Matine acknowledges the limitations of this non-FIFA-sanctioned event. Clubs are not obligated to release players, so the team must work with the available talent. However, Matine expresses confidence in his squad, citing their past achievements.
Last week Saturday, Matine’s men played out a stalemate at a private match against Ferroviário de Maputo held at AFRIN’s field in Matola. The game would have undoubtedly provided valuable lessons for the coach, allowing him to assess individual and team performance, and plan their strategy for the crucial clash against South Africa.
PREDICTION: Draw
I expect this one to be a competitive match. South Africa has the upper hand on paper, but Mozambique can cause an upset and I think this one ends in a draw.
Written by Desh Parthab