Harare Select crashes out of COSAFA Cup

Harare Select clothed as Zimbabwe's Warriors bowed out of the 2025 COSAFA Cup in heartbreaking fashion despite securing a 3-1 win over Mozambique in their final Group A match played in South Africa on Monday.

A spirited performance saw Thando Ngwenya score a brace to give Harare Select hope, while Junior Makunike sealed the result with a late third goal to secure maximum points. However, the victory was not enough to see Harare Select through to the knockout stages, as they finished level on three points with both Mozambique and tournament hosts South Africa.

South Africa, who had earlier defeated Harare Select 1-0 in their opening match, progressed to the semi-finals by virtue of a superior goal difference, leaving Harare Select and Mozambique to rue missed opportunities in earlier fixtures.

The 'Warriors' came into the game knowing they needed a win and a favourable outcome from the other group match to have any chance of advancing. Despite delivering their most complete performance of the tournament, it proved too little too late.

The result marks another early exit for Harare Select, who were making a return to regional competition after years of absence due to international sanctions. Despite the setback, the performance of youngsters like Ngwenya and Makunike offered glimmers of hope for the future.