COSAFA 2025: Zambia’s Early Exit a Wake-Up Call as Angola Clinch Title

As Angola cruised to a dominant 3–0 victory over South Africa to lift their fifth COSAFA Cup title, Zambia’s national team, the Chipolopolo, returned home from South Africa quietly and empty-handed, again. For the second year running, Zambia exited the COSAFA Cup at the group stage, capping off what has become a worrying trend for one of Southern Africa’s most decorated footballing nations.

A Campaign to Forget

Zambia’s Group D performance was underwhelming from start to finish. The tournament began with a 1–0 defeat to Comoros, a result that immediately placed them on the back foot. Expectations were still cautiously optimistic ahead of their final fixture against Botswana, but those hopes faded quickly.

In a rollercoaster 3–3 draw against Botswana, the Chipolopolo showed flashes of fight but ultimately failed to secure the win needed to stand a chance at reaching the semifinals.

Botswana took a 2–0 lead through Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Serati Semadi’s penalty, but Zambia responded through a Charles Zulu spot-kick and a Tinkler Sinkala finish early in the second half. Thabo Maponda restored Botswana’s lead on the hour mark, but a late penalty from Joseph Phiri salvaged a point for Zambia, and knocked Botswana out in the process.

Still, the damage had already been done. With just one point from two games, Zambia bowed out, marking their second straight group stage elimination and extending their winless COSAFA run to five games since lifting the trophy in 2023.

Homecoming and Reflection

The Chipolopolo returned home on Friday afternoon, arriving at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on a South African Airways flight, where a subdued reception greeted them. The tone was one of disappointment, but also quiet realism. This was a campaign used in part to assess local talent ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Yet fans and pundits alike are asking serious questions. How can a nation with Zambia’s pedigree, seven COSAFA titles to its name, fail to register a single win across two consecutive tournaments?

What Went Wrong?

Several issues were laid bare during Zambia’s short-lived 2025 COSAFA journey but most fans say  Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s side lacked cohesion and struggled to impose a clear style of play. Against Comoros, they looked toothless in attack; against Botswana, they were defensively fragile. Once kings of Southern Africa, Zambia are now falling behind the likes of Comoros and Madagascar, who showed composure and tactical evolution throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, …

While Zambia exited early, Angola marched on, unbeaten and untouchable. The Palancas Negras defeated Madagascar 4–1 in the semifinals before outclassing hosts South Africa in the final. Forward Depu stole the show with 8 goals to win the Golden Boot, while goalkeeper Neblú was named Best Goalkeeper.

The contrast couldn’t be more stark: one nation asserting its growing dominance, another facing a steep rebuild.

The Road Ahead

For Zambia, COSAFA 2025 must serve as more than just preparation, it must be a turning point. With CHAN 2025 set for August in East Africa, there is still time to regroup. But doing so will require bold decisions, tactical clarity, and above all, a renewed commitment to excellence.

COSAFA 2025 was a wake-up call. Whether Chipolopolo answers it remains to be seen.