VAR saves Harare select to pick a draw against Mauritius

Zimbabwe's Warriors began their 2025 COSAFA Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Mauritius in a Group A encounter played Wednesday evening at Free State Stadium in South Africa.

The youthful Zimbabwean squad, captained by Andrew Mbeba, featured goalkeeper Martin Mapisa (27) as its oldest player. Despite controlling possession for large parts of the game, the Warriors struggled to convert opportunities into goals.

Tinotenda Meke had two golden chances to break the deadlock in the first half - first in the 32nd minute and again in the 41st - but failed to convert on both occasions, leaving the score level at the break.

Mauritius came back stronger in the second half, launching several attacks and looking the more dangerous side. Their persistence seemed to pay off in the 72nd minute when they found the back of the net. However, their celebrations were short-lived after VAR ruled out the goal.

Zimbabwe made a few tactical changes late in the game in a bid to spark their attack but continued to lack precision in the final third. The Warriors mounted a strong push in the closing minutes, dominating possession, but it was to no avail.

Captain Mbeba came closest to securing all three points for Zimbabwe with a powerful header in injury time, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

The draw leaves Zimbabwe in third place in Group A with one point, tied with second-placed Mauritius. Mozambique currently leads the group with three points following a 1-0 win over hosts South Africa earlier in the day.

Zimbabwe will look to bounce back when they face South Africa in their second group match on Saturday.