2024 COSAFA Cup dates revealed with two nations opting out of this year’s tournament
The dates for the 2024 COSAFA Cup have been revealed. After postponing it, the Council for Southern Africa Football Association will hold the annual football tournament in South Africa.
“The dates have been set for the 2024 COSAFA CUP, which will retain last year’s exciting format when it is staged in South Africa from 26 June to 7 July,” read part of a media release by COSAFA.
While there was no mention of the province or city, it is likely the regional tournament will go back to Durban. Gauteng and Free State have previously shown interest in hosting Southern Africa’s footballing nations. According to the release, Madagascar and Mauritius will not be taking part this year.
South Africa, Zambia, and Angola will be the seeded teams when the draw is conducted on Friday morning in Johannesburg. The tournament format allows for teams to play a minimum of three games. Teams like Lesotho will use this as a valuable team building ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers starting in September.
Zambia and Zimbabwe could use the 2024 COSAFA Cup to widen their national team player bases after lower-than-average performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
