By Sello Masilo
Bafana Bafana secured their place in the 2025 COSAFA Cup final with a comprehensive 3–1 victory over Comoros at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on a chilly Friday evening.
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🎯 Early Advantage Sets the Tone
South Africa struck early when Comoros defender Mohamed Idris directed a cross into his own net, gifting Bafana the lead in the 8th minute . Just six minutes later, Boitumelo Radiopane doubled the lead with a composed finish after a smart build-up play that caught Comoros off guard .
⚠️ Comoros Response and South Africa’s Control
Comoros pulled one back in the 29th minute through Madi Ibrahim, who capitalised on a crowded penalty area to halve the deficit to 2–1. His goal sparked hope, but South Africa remained composed in defence .
Early in the second half, Kamogelo Sebelebele sealed the win for Bafana with his first goal for the national team, extending the lead to 3–1 . Later, Comoros were reduced to ten men following a red card for Naimoudine Assane, cementing South Africa’s dominance .
🗣️ Coach Khumalo’s Tactical Masterclass
South African coach Vela Khumalo explained the game plan in post-match remarks: “We said we are going to play with the two tenths, we are going to play with one top man and we wanted to end the goal… let’s have a quick goal, let’s unsettle them… draw them in and then we go punch up with the striker.” The strategy proved successful .
He added confidence in his squad’s performance ahead of the final: “We have been playing good football and not scoring enough goals… I am satisfied that the boys were clinical in this match…” .
🏆 A Date with the Defending Champions
Following Comoros’ defeat, Bafana now face defending champions Angola in Sunday’s final, set for 15h00 at Free State Stadium . Angola earned their final spot with a commanding 4–1 win over Madagascar earlier on Friday .
According to match reports, Angola reached the final thanks to goals from Laurindo Aurelio (two), Antonio Salvador, and Alberto Miguel, while Mika Razafimahatana struck for Madagascar .
🌍 Tournament Overview: The 2025 COSAFA Cup
The 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup features 14 national teams, hosted in Bloemfontein across two venues—Free State Stadium and Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium—from 4 to 15 June . This marks South Africa’s eighth consecutive year as hosts. Angola entered the tournament as defending champions, having lifted their fourth title in 2024 .
South Africa topped Group A with four points (1 win, 1 draw, 1 defeat), advancing on goal difference ahead of Zimbabwe and Mozambique . Despite a shaky start, Khumalo’s reforms have brought renewed belief and cohesion to a side hungry for silverware.
📈 Bafana’s Road to the Final
• Opening Loss to Mozambique: Bafana started the tournament with a 1-0 loss—a defeat Khumalo acknowledged as a wake-up call .
• Rebound vs Zimbabwe: A 2-0 win against Zimbabwe restored confidence .
• Scoreless Draw with Mauritius: A 0-0 draw secured top spot, despite missing several chances .
• Semi-Final Display: Dominant 3-1 win over Comoros set up a clash with Angola .
🔜 What to Expect in the Final
Sunday’s final promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Angola, boasting a rich pedigree and four titles, will test South Africa’s tactical and mental strength . Bafana aim to claim their sixth COSAFA Cup, a title that would place them second in all-time wins behind Zambia (seven titles) .
Key Factors:
• Clinical Finishing: Khumalo highlighted the need to convert chances into goals, a strength demonstrated in the semi-final .
• Tactical Discipline: A clear game plan—fast opener, high pressure, safe defence—helped secure the semi-final win .
• Home Advantage: Playing in Bloemfontein with strong crowd support could give Bafana the edge.
• Angola’s Experience: They enter as defending champs with momentum from their own semifinal demolition.
🎤 Player Highlights
• Mohamed Idris (Comoros): Unlucky own goal starter—though he didn’t intend harm, it changed the match dynamic .
• Boitumelo Radiopane (South Africa): Scored his first national team goal to double the lead .
• Kamogelo Sebelebele (South Africa): Two crucial goals—including the semi-final-winner—his breakout display was a standout performance .
• Madi Ibrahim (Comoros): Pulled one back with a well-taken finish, giving Comoros hope before the second half collapse .
📺 Where to Watch
The final kicks off at 15h00 SAST (13h00 GMT) on Sunday at Free State Stadium . Coverage is expected on SABC and via FIFA+ streaming, bringing the match to supporters across South Africa and beyond
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