Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM WAT
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Competition: COSAFA Cup 2025 – Group Stage
The COSAFA Cup always presents interesting matchups, and today’s clash between Mauritius and Zimbabwe is no exception. While Zimbabwe comes in with a more established football history, they are currently a side in rebuild mode, trying to regain their stature after years of turbulence and FIFA suspensions. Mauritius, often regarded as underdogs, will see this as a massive opportunity to pull off a surprise on regional soil.
Despite their recent struggles, Zimbabwe boasts far more quality and experience. Mauritius, on the other hand, will rely on collective effort, organization, and passion to stay competitive.
Team Form and Head-to-Head Record
Mauritius Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- Mauritius 0-3 Madagascar (Friendly)
- Comoros 1-0 Mauritius (COSAFA 2024)
- Mauritius 2-1 Seychelles (Friendly)
- Namibia 2-0 Mauritius (Friendly)
- Mauritius 0-2 Eswatini (COSAFA 2023)
Summary: Mauritius has struggled against top-tier regional sides. Scoring has been a problem, and their defence leaks goals under pressure. However, the win over Seychelles shows they can surprise teams close to their level.
Zimbabwe Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- Zimbabwe 1-1 Zambia (Friendly)
- Zimbabwe 2-1 Botswana (Friendly)
- South Africa 3-0 Zimbabwe (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Zimbabwe 1-1 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Kenya 2-2 Zimbabwe (Friendly)
Summary: Zimbabwe looks like a team rediscovering its rhythm. Unbeaten in 3 of their last 5 matches and holding their own against Nigeria and Zambia proves they’re no pushovers anymore.
H2H – Last 3 Meetings
- Zimbabwe 3-0 Mauritius (COSAFA Cup 2017)
- Zimbabwe 2-0 Mauritius (Friendly, 2015)
- Mauritius 0-1 Zimbabwe (Friendly, 2013)
Summary: Zimbabwe has dominated this fixture comfortably over the last decade.
Tactical Preview
Mauritius: The Underdogs with Nothing to Lose
Coach: Akbar Patel
Formation: 4-5-1 (low block)
Key Strengths:
- Compact and hardworking midfield
- Fast transitions from defence to attack
- Good spirit, especially early in games
Key Players:
- Kevin Perticots – Energetic midfielder with decent passing vision
- Ashley Nazira – Striker, quick and opportunistic in the box
- Jean-Yves Dupuis – Anchor man in midfield, tackles hard
Weaknesses:
- Leaky defence under sustained pressure
- Lacks depth off the bench
- Struggles to maintain intensity over 90 minutes
Zimbabwe: Rebuilding With Promise
Coach: Baltemar Brito
Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2
Key Strengths:
- Midfield dominance with experience
- Speed on the flanks and sharp link-up play
- Strong mentality from recent comeback results
Key Players:
- Prince Dube – Powerful striker, clinical finisher
- Marshall Munetsi – Midfield general, great work rate
- Kudakwashe Mahachi – Creative winger, can unlock defences
Weaknesses:
- Occasionally exposed on the counter
- Defensive concentration dips in the final third of games
Betting Tips and Predictions
Match Result: Zimbabwe to Win
Odds: 1.40
Zimbabwe is the superior side and should dominate possession and create more clear chances.
Correct Score Prediction: Zimbabwe 2-0 Mauritius
Mauritius might hold early on but Zimbabwe’s fitness and tactical organization will break them down eventually.
Both Teams to Score: NO
Odds: 1.65
Mauritius has failed to score in 3 of their last 5. Zimbabwe’s defence should be able to contain their threat.
Total Goals – Under 3.5
Odds: 1.50
Expect a professional win without fireworks. Zimbabwe will control, but Mauritius will sit deep and keep the scoreline respectable.
Anytime Goalscorer: Prince Dube (Zimbabwe)
Odds: 2.50
Dube is physical, intelligent in positioning, and always a threat in the box—especially in games like this where space opens up late.
Key Stats to Remember
- Mauritius has lost 4 of their last 5 matches
- Zimbabwe has scored at least 1 goal in each of their last 5 games
- Zimbabwe has never lost to Mauritius in modern history
Expert Prediction Summary
- Winner: Zimbabwe ✅
- Scoreline: 2-0
- Goalscorer Pick: Prince Dube
- BTTS: No
- Best Bet: Zimbabwe Win + Under 3.5 Goals Combo
Conclusion
Zimbabwe enters this COSAFA Cup with a point to prove. Having weathered administrative chaos, they’re focused, sharper, and ready to reassert themselves. Mauritius will fight hard but lack the structure and firepower to resist for long. Expect a comfortable win for the Warriors.
Recommended Bet Slip:
- Zimbabwe to Win
- BTTS – No
- Under 3.5 Goals
- Prince Dube to Score Anytime
