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South Africa vs Zimbabwe: COSAFA Cup’s Most Desperate Clash? Preview & Predictions | MechiTV

South Africa vs Zimbabwe: COSAFA Cup’s Most Desperate Clash? Preview & Predictions

Published on June 6, 2025 In Match previews & predictions

Bafana Bafana vs Warriors: A COSAFA Cup Survival Battle. Bafana Bafana & Zimbabwe battle to avoid COSAFA disaster—can either team fix their scoring woes? Preview, stats & predictions

South Africa vs Zimbabwe: COSAFA Cup’s Most Desperate Clash? Preview & Predictions

Desperate Times for Southern Africa's Heavyweights

This Saturday at the Free State Toyota Stadium, two struggling giants – South Africa and Zimbabwe – will clash in what’s essentially a COSAFA Cup elimination match in disguise.

✔ South Africa – Lost their opener despite 70% possession (the football gods hate them)
✔ Zimbabwe – Couldn’t score against Mauritius (yes, that Mauritius)
✔ Stakes? Basically, who avoids total humiliation first?

South Africa: Possession Kings, Scoring Clowns

The Good News:

  • They dominated Mozambique (11 shots, 70% possession).

  • They haven’t lost to Zimbabwe since 2013 (a decade-plus of bragging rights).

The Bad News:

  • They still lost 1-0 because finishing is apparently optional.

  • Coach Vela Khumalo is now in "must-win or face national fury" territory.

Key Question: Will they actually shoot on target this time, or just pass the ball into oblivion again?

Zimbabwe: VAR’s Favorite Victims

The Warriors’ Woes:

  • VAR robbed them of a goal vs Mauritius (thanks, technology!).

  • 7 games without a win (their last victory was in October… of last year).

  • Stand-in coach Tagarira Marange is already regretting saying yes to this job.

Silver Lining? At least they didn’t lose to Mauritius… but that’s like bragging you didn’t drown in a puddle.

Who Wins? A Battle of Who Wants It Less

South Africa’s Hope:

  • History is on their side (2 straight wins vs Zimbabwe).

  • Home crowd advantage (if anyone still shows up after that Mozambique disaster).

Zimbabwe’s Chance:

  • Bafana’s finishing is tragic.

  • They’ve got nothing to lose (which makes them dangerous).

Prediction: A 1-0 grind—either way. (Extra points if VAR ruins someone’s day again.)

Why You Should Watch (Or Not)

✔ Comedy gold – Will either team remember how to score?
✔ Desperation football – Lose here, and the COSAFA Cup becomes a national embarrassment.
✔ VAR drama – Because nothing spices up a 0-0 like a 5-minute offside check.

Your Turn:

  • Who’s winning this?

  • Will South Africa’s finishing improve, or is another disaster coming?

  • Should Zimbabwe just start praying for a miracle?