All square in Group A as the 2024 COSAFA Cup kicks off in Gqeberha
Kwakhe Thwala of Eswatini challenged by Tlamelo Kolagano of Botswana during the 2024 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Mens Championship match between Eswatini and Botswana at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Gqeberha on the 26 June 2024 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
It’s all square and as you were in Group A as the 2024 COSAFA Cup kicked off in a sunny Gqeberha on Wednesday afternoon. No win was recorded in the first two games of the Southern African regional tournament.
Eswatini and Botswana played out a goalless draw in an almost empty Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Despite tickets being free, the people of Eastern Cape did not turn up.
The stadium did not fill up when hosts South Africa took to the field against neighbours Mozambique. Ethan Brooks set up debutant captain Rushwin Dortley for Bafana Bafana’s opener. Chamita Alfandega’s well-taken equaliser from outside the box brought parity to the match and Group A.
All four teams stand on one point going into the second group matches. With only the top team going through to the semifinals, teams will have to work harder to avoid draws in the next games.
Group B will be in action on Thursday with the return of six-time champions Zimbabwe and the appearance of guest nation Kenya.
