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Tanzania vs Madagascar: COSAFA Cup’s Strangest Opener? Preview & Predictions | MechiTV

Tanzania vs Madagascar: COSAFA Cup’s Strangest Opener? Preview & Predictions

Published on June 6, 2025 In Match previews & predictions

Tanzania vs Madagascar: COSAFA Cup's Most Unlikely Rivalry? Tanzania & Madagascar clash in a rare COSAFA Cup meeting—can either team fix their scoring woes? Preview, stats, and predictions.

Tanzania vs Madagascar: COSAFA Cup’s Strangest Opener? Preview & Predictions

The "Wait, Why Are They Here?" Opener

This Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Tanzania and Madagascar will kick off their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaigns in what might be the tournament’s most random matchup.

Why? Because:
✔ Tanzania got a last-minute invite (thanks, Morocco, for bailing!)
✔ Madagascar hasn’t played here since 2022
✔ Both teams are in Group C with Eswatini—because nothing says "Southern African football" like East African teams and an island nation.

Tanzania’s COSAFA History: A Brief & Confusing Story

The Good

  • They played in the first-ever COSAFA Cup in 1997 (back when dial-up internet was a thing).

  • In 2017, they finished 3rd—their best performance.

The Bad

  • They haven’t scored in FOUR straight games (their attack is more toothless than a baby hippo).

  • Their last COSAFA disaster (2015) saw them lose all 3 games without scoring.

Coach Hemed Suleiman’s mission: Fix the scoring drought, or this could be another "why did we even come?" tournament.

Madagascar: The Team That Takes This Seriously (Unlike Everyone Else)

While some treat the COSAFA Cup like a glorified preseason, Madagascar’s coach Corentin Martins is using it to prep for CHAN 2025.

Recent Form? Not Great, Bob.

  • 2 wins in their last 11 games (AFCON & World Cup qualifiers included).

  • Last COSAFA appearance (2022) ended in a 2-0 loss to Namibia.

Their problem? With only three teams in their group, one bad game could mean early elimination. No pressure!

Who Wins? The Battle of the Underdogs

Tanzania’s Hope:

  • If they remember how to score, they could sneak a win.

  • Key Motivation: Avoiding a repeat of 2015’s disaster.

Madagascar’s Edge:

  • More COSAFA experience (12 appearances vs Tanzania’s 3).

  • Desperation Mode: They need wins to boost morale for CHAN.

Prediction: A 1-0 grind—either way. (Place your bets on which team rediscovers scoring first!)

Why Should You Care?

✔ Underdog drama—who doesn’t love a chaotic opener?
✔ CHAN preview—both teams are using this as a warm-up.
✔ Potential meme material—if Tanzania goes another game without scoring.

Your Turn:

  • Who’s winning this?

  • Will Tanzania finally score, or is another shutout coming?

  • Should COSAFA stick to Southern African teams?