Mauritius will take on Zimbabwe at Free State Toyota Stadium in the COSAFA Cup on Wednesday. Who will succeed defending champions Angola? The answer will emerge at the end of the 24th edition, which is set to kick off this week.
Mauritius vs Zimbabwe Preview
Mauritius are making their return to the annual association football competition after missing the previous edition in 2024. They will enter this tournament on the back of a 115th FIFA ranking, which seems unimpressive. However, six of the 14 participating teams rank below Mauritius, with guest team Morocco ranking highest, 12th in the world.
Club M's best record in the competition includes two quarter-final finishes. They had a memorable performance in 2004 when they defeated South Africa 2-0 in the first round to reach the quarterfinals. However, Mauritius don’t appear to be in great shape at the moment, as they have recorded just one win in their last 12 outings.
Zimbabwe took part in the previous edition in 2024 but failed to progress beyond the group stage after finishing third in Group B. They come into this edition on the back of a FIFA ranking of 178th – the lowest among all 14 teams. However, they have prevailed in their last three clashes with Mauritius, winning twice at home and once away.
The Warriors are veterans of this competition, as they are the second most successful side with six titles behind Zambia on seven. However, they are not considered as one of the top favourites of this edition, going by their current form. Zimbabwe are winless in their last six matches in all competitions, losing three times.
Both teams are struggling for form based on their recent performances. However, this is a regional tournament that comes with a different motivation.
Mauritius boast a better FIFA ranking but Zimbabwe have more experience in the COSAFA Cup, which could be crucial.
Zimbabwe are the favorites based on their pedigree in the competition.
Prediction: Mauritius 1-2 Zimbabwe
Tip 1: Result – Zimbabwe to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Zimbabwe to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Mauritius to score - Yes