COSAFA Cup warm-up: Mozambique defeat Eswatini

Mozambique (white) in action against Eswatini:

Photo Credit: Mozambique Football Federation.

Mozambique’s senior national football team warmed up for the 2025 COSAFA Cup with a home 1-0 win over Eswatini on Saturday in South Africa.

Black Bulls FC midfielder Antonia Sumbane scored the lone goal for the Mambas in the 10th minute. The hosts are gearing up for Group A action at Southern Africa’s premier football competition, scheduled for Bloemfontein in South Africa from 4 to 15 June.

Mozambique will compete against Bafana Bafana, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius in the group. Holders Angola lead Group B, consisting of Namibia, Malawi, and Lesotho.

The Mambas’ manager, Chiquinho Conde, named a relatively youthful squad for the Cosafa Cup, excluding the likes of UD Songo winger Elias Pelembe and Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove.

Conde has since called up the little known Portugal-based trio of defender Manuel Cumbane from AS Viseu, AVS Futebol SAD’s midfielder Edson Mucuana, and his CD Chaves counterpart Kayns Abdala.

In the other camp, Eswatini are also fine-tuning for Group C battles against guests Tanzania, who replaced Morocco, and Madagascar. Zambia take on Comoros and Botswana in pool D.

The 14 teams were split into four groups, A and B comprising four teams each, and the rest three each. Each group winner will proceed to the semifinals.