Southern African Nations Prepare for COSAFA Cup Showdown Nations from the Southern African region are gearing up for the highly anticipated COSAFA Cup, a biennial tournament that pits the region’s best football teams against each other. Scheduled to take place from July 5th to 17th, the tournament will feature 12 teams competing for the prestigious regional trophy. Among the contenders are defending champions Zambia, who will be determined to retain their title. Joining them are regional powerhouses such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, all of whom boast experienced squads and have a history of success in the competition. Other nations preparing for the Cup include Mozambique, Angola, Lesotho, Seychelles, Malawi, Mauritius, Botswana, and Eswatini. Each team brings unique strengths and aspirations to the tournament, promising exciting matches and close contests. The COSAFA Cup not only provides a platform for regional rivalry but also serves as a vital development tool for the participating nations. It offers young players an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain international experience. The tournament also fosters unity and cooperation among the Southern African countries through the shared passion for the beautiful game. Over the years, the COSAFA Cup has witnessed some unforgettable moments. Zambia’s triumph in 2021 was particularly memorable, as they defied the odds to lift the trophy for the seventh time. Other notable winners include South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Angola. The upcoming tournament promises to be equally captivating. With a host of talented players on display and the stakes high, the 2023 COSAFA Cup is set to be an unmissable event for football fans across Southern Africa.Southern African Nations Gear Up for COSAFA Cup ShowdownSouthern African Nations Gear Up for COSAFA Cup Showdown Published: Friday, June 14, 2024 Share: * [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?&url=https://www.cafonline.com/news/southern-african-nations-gear-up-for-cosafa-cup-showdown/&target=_blank) Twelve nations from the continent’s southern African region are preparing for the annual COSAFA Cup taking place in South Africa between June 27 and July 7. Following the official draw for the competition which took place in Johannesburg on Friday, June 14, the teams were divided into three exciting groups of four ahead of the two-week competition. This year marks the 23rd edition of the regional competition and will see the current champions, Zambia, seek to defend their title and extend their record as the team with the most COSAFA titles. With seven titles under their belt, Zambia is also aiming to become the first team to win three COSAFA Cup titles in a row in the history of the competition. Other nations with impressive COSAFA Cup titles include Zimbabwe (6), South Africa (5), and Angola (3). Tournament hosts South Africa are drawn in Group A with Mozambique, Eswatini, and Botswana, while defending champions Zambia face Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and a fourth team yet to be confirmed. Angola occupies the last group, where they will face the most confident, Namibia, as well as the islanders, Comoros, and Seychelles. The official venue of the competition will be announced in due course. COSAFA CUP 2024 DRAW RESULTS: * GROUP A: South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, Botswana * GROUP B: Zambia, TBC, Lesotho, Zimbabwe * GROUP C: Angola, Namibia, Comoros, SeychellesSouthern African nations are gearing up for the upcoming Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup, a regional football tournament that brings together teams from 14 countries in the region. The tournament, which will be hosted by South Africa from July 5-17, will feature defending champions Zambia, who will be looking to retain their title for a third consecutive time. Other contenders include hosts South Africa, who have won the tournament five times, as well as Angola, Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each of the three pools advancing to the semifinals. The final will be played on July 18 at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Southern African nations have a rich history in the COSAFA Cup, with Zambia having won the tournament a record 11 times. South Africa and Angola are tied for second with five titles each. The tournament is expected to be fiercely competitive, with several teams having a legitimate chance to lift the trophy. Zambia will be the team to beat, but South Africa will be buoyed by home support and will be looking to make a statement. Angola, Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe are all capable of causing an upset and will be looking to make their mark on the tournament. The COSAFA Cup is not only a major sporting event but also an important opportunity for Southern African nations to come together and celebrate their shared passion for football. The tournament is expected to attract large crowds and generate a lot of excitement throughout the region.