Zambia Drawn with Comoros and Botswana in Group D for 2025 COSAFA Cup
Zambia has been drawn into Group D of the 2025 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup alongside Comoros and Botswana, in what promises to be a fiercely contested group at the regional showpiece set for June 4–15 in Mangaung, South Africa.
The Chipolopolo, who hold a record seven COSAFA Cup titles, will be looking to assert their dominance once again after falling short in last year’s edition. Zambia’s most recent triumph came in 2023, and the nation is hungry to add another title to its illustrious regional record.
The draw, conducted on Wednesday, also revealed some exciting clashes across the tournament. Hosts South Africa headline Group A alongside regional rivals Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Mauritius. That group is expected to deliver fireworks, particularly the long-awaited clash between South Africa and six-time champions Zimbabwe, two giants of Southern African football eager to return to glory. South Africa last won the cup in 2021, while Zimbabwe have not lifted the trophy since 2018.
Defending champions Angola find themselves in a tough Group B with Namibia, Malawi, and Lesotho. Angola famously thrashed Namibia 5-0 in last year’s final after a goalless draw between the two in the group stage.
In Group C, North African guests Morocco, fresh from their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinals, will battle it out with Madagascar and Eswatini.
Zambia’s Group D campaign will see them face a rejuvenated Botswana side and an unpredictable Comoros team that has shown improvement in recent years. With only the top team from each group advancing to the semifinals, Chipolopolo will need to be clinical from the outset.
Should Zambia top their group, they will face the winner of Group A, setting up a potential high-stakes semifinal against either South Africa or Zimbabwe.
The 2025 edition will be held for the first time in Mangaung, with matches hosted at the iconic Free State Stadium, one of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.
The COSAFA Cup also offers teams a crucial opportunity to prepare for the resumption of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September, with squads set to gain vital match fitness and tactical sharpness through potentially five competitive fixtures.
Matches will be televised live on SABC and SuperSport, and streamed globally via FIFA+. The full tournament fixture list will be released soon.
