Logarusic says Eswatini can’t cry after tough COSAFA Cup draw

Zdravko Logarusic: Photo Credit: Eswatini Football Association.

ESwatini coach Zdravko Logarusic says there is no time to cry after being drawn alongside Madagascar and giants Morocco in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup.

The Croatian told the Eswatini Football Association media that the best way to react to the Group C draw was through thorough preparations and unity of purpose.

“The draw looks difficult, but we can’t cry and we can’t do anything about it,” he said. “Our job is to prepare ourselves—Morocco, Madagascar, and Eswatini."

He added, "We know what to do if we want to achieve a result. We have to pass the round and go into the semifinals. Let us prepare ourselves properly and play as a unit. Let us do what we have to do.”

Eswatini will be out to try to win the COSAFA Cup for the first time in the competition’s history. Logarusic's men hope to build on their strong showing in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Sihlangu held Cameroon to a goalless draw on March 19, 2025, in a Group D qualifying match.

The draw for the COSAFA Cup also saw hosts South Africa’s Bafana Bafana drawn alongside six-time champions Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Mozambique in Group A.

Holders Angola lead Group B, which consists of Namibia, Malawi, and Lesotho, while record seven-time winners Zambia take on Comoros and Botswana in pool D.

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