Africa-Press – Namibia. The 2025 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup kicks off today in Mangaung, South Africa, where 14 teams will compete for the prestigious trophy.
Since its inception in 1997, the competition has grown into one of the leading football tournaments on the African continent and despite not taking place a few times, it has stood the test of time, with the tournament being held for the 24th time this year.
Zambia claimed the inaugural title in 1997, defeating Namibia in the final, and retained the championship the following year after winning a round-robin tournament. Over the years, they have gone on to win five additional titles, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
They are followed closely by Zimbabwe, with six titles; South Africa (SA) and Angola with five and four titles, respectively; and Namibia, with one title.
Today’s opening match features Zimbabwe facing Mauritius at 15h00, followed by hosts SA taking on Mozambique at 18h00.
Zimbabwe and SA will be the favourites in this group, and they both should start off with a win, although Mozambique could be the dark horses. Only the group winners will qualify for the semifinals, with the result that Saturday’s showdown between SA and Zimbabwe will be crucial.
Namibia will kick off their campaign tomorrow at 18h00 against Angola, a repeat of last year’s final, which Angola won 5-0, and Namibia will be keen to avenge that loss.
That could also be a crucial encounter in the group as the winner will be favoured to reach the semifinals, since Lesotho and Malawi do not have very good records in the competition. Neither side has won the trophy before, while Malawi were the runners-up twice and Lesotho once.
Groups C and D consist of three teams each, with Madagascar, Eswatini and guest nation Tanzania in group C, and Zambia, Botswana and Comoros in group D.
Zambia, with their rich history in the tournament, will be heavy favourites to win group D, but group C is wide open, with none of the teams having reached the final before.
The Namibian squad, meanwhile, departed for South Africa on Monday after completing a four-day training camp in Windhoek.
Coach Collin Benjamin also announced the final 21-man squad, which is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Edward Maova, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Jonas Mateus.
Defenders: Ivan Kamberipa, Sergio Damaseb, Charles Hambira, Sisqo Haraseb, Vevangapi Mbuende, David Haingwafa, Ngero Katua, Tyrese Hikupembe, Kennedy Eib.
Midfielders: Mbakondja Tjahikika, Moses Shidolo, Awilo Stephanus, Paulus Amutenya, Leevi Altheus, Penda Mongudhi.
Forwards: Bio Gurirab, Bethuel Muzeu, Rewaldo Prins, Wiseman Lifasi, Joslin Kamatuka.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
