Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM WAT
Venue: King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Competition: COSAFA Cup 2025 – Group Stage
The COSAFA Cup is more than just a regional tournament, it’s a platform for pride, player discovery, and national passion. When South Africa takes on Mozambique, it’s not just another fixture. This is a clash of tradition, emerging talent, and tactical pride. For South Africa, the stakes are high. As hosts and historical favorites, Bafana Bafana will want to assert their superiority from the first whistle. Mozambique, however, will not just roll over. Known for their physical strength, defensive structure, and opportunistic counters, they’ve upset big names before and will be hungry to do it again.
This match sets the tone for Group A, and both teams know that an early three points could smooth the path to the knockout stages.
Team Form and Head-to-Head Record
South Africa Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- South Africa 1-1 Algeria (Friendly)
- Nigeria 1-1 South Africa (AFCON Qualifiers)
- South Africa 2-1 DR Congo (Friendly)
- South Africa 0-2 Morocco (AFCON Qualifiers)
- South Africa 3-0 Zimbabwe (Friendly)
Summary: A decent run. Bafana Bafana haven’t been losing much, and their home performances have been particularly impressive. Their last clean sheet win against Zimbabwe will boost confidence going into this one.
Mozambique Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
- Mozambique 0-2 Senegal (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Rwanda 1-1 Mozambique (Friendly)
- Mozambique 2-0 Seychelles (Friendly)
- Tunisia 3-0 Mozambique (AFCON Qualifiers)
- Mozambique 0-0 Angola (COSAFA 2024)
Summary: Mixed form. Mozambique can be hard to beat on their day, but their attack tends to struggle against organized defences. The clean sheet against Angola last year is notable, but overall, they’ve been inconsistent.
H2H – Last 5 Meetings
- South Africa 2-1 Mozambique (Friendly, 2022)
- South Africa 3-0 Mozambique (COSAFA Cup, 2018)
- Mozambique 1-1 South Africa (Friendly, 2016)
- South Africa 2-0 Mozambique (Friendly, 2014)
- South Africa 3-1 Mozambique (AFCON Qualifier, 2013)
Summary: South Africa dominates this fixture historically. Undefeated in their last five meetings, with multiple clean sheets and big wins.
Tactical Preview
South Africa Tactics and Key Players
Coach: Hugo Broos (Belgium)
Formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3
Key Strengths:
- Strong midfield control with high pressing
- Physical full-backs offering overlaps
- Solid defensive midfield protection
Key Players:
- Themba Zwane – Creative engine, can split defences with through balls
- Evidence Makgopa – Tall striker, great in the air
- Ronwen Williams (GK) – Captain and shot-stopper, brings experience and confidence
Style of Play: South Africa loves to play on the front foot, pressing high and using width effectively. Expect lots of crosses, possession play, and late midfield runs into the box.
Mozambique Tactics and Key Players
Coach: Chiquinho Conde
Formation: 4-1-4-1 or 4-4-2 compact block
Key Strengths:
- Deep defensive lines that frustrate opponents
- Quick counter-attacks when the ball is won
- Physical center-backs and combative midfielders
Key Players:
- Telinho – Veteran attacker, capable of moments of brilliance
- Guima – Central midfielder with good tackling and ball distribution
- Victor – Commanding defender, crucial in aerial duels
Style of Play: Mozambique prefers to sit deep, stay compact, and then launch counters using speed on the wings. They’re unlikely to press high but will capitalize on mistakes.
Betting Tips and Predictions
Match Result: South Africa to Win
Odds: 1.45
South Africa’s superior squad, historical record, and home advantage should prove decisive. Mozambique may offer resistance, but Bafana Bafana has too much quality.
Correct Score Prediction: South Africa 2-0 Mozambique
Expect South Africa to break the deadlock early and control the tempo throughout. A clean sheet is very possible.
Both Teams to Score: NO
Odds: 1.60
Mozambique struggles in front of goal, especially against top-tier regional sides. South Africa’s defence is disciplined and should hold.
Total Goals – Under 3.5
Odds: 1.45
COSAFA games are traditionally cagey, especially in the group stages. A blowout is unlikely.
Anytime Goalscorer: Themba Zwane (South Africa)
Odds: 2.80
Zwane loves these kinds of matches. Creative, experienced, and calm under pressure, he could find the net or provide key assists.
Key Stats to Remember
- South Africa has never lost to Mozambique in the last 10 years.
- Mozambique has scored just 1 goal in their last 3 matches.
- South Africa has 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games.
Expert Prediction Summary
- Winner: South Africa ✅
- Scoreline: 2-0
- Goalscorer Pick: Themba Zwane
- BTTS: No
- Best Bet: South Africa Win + Under 3.5 Goals @ 1.90 combo
Conclusion
This is South Africa’s game to lose. Playing at home, with superior depth and better recent form, they are expected to deliver a professional and clinical performance. Mozambique will fight, but Bafana Bafana should walk away with three points and a strong footing in Group A.
Recommended Bet Slip:
- South Africa to Win
- Under 3.5 Total Goals
- BTTS – NO
- Themba Zwane to Score Anytime
