The best XI for the 2025 COSAFA Cup which came to an end recently was released and Zambia did not contribute a single player.
The team has been dominated by Angolan players who helped their team to fifth COSAFA Cup triumph.
The starting XI features four Angolan players, including player of the tournament and top goalscorer Laurindo Aurelio and Ambrosini Salvador, who were instrumental in their team’s success.
South Africa also had a strong representation with three players, including Puso Dithejane and Gape Moralo, who impressed with their vision and passing range.
One notable omission from the best XI is any Zambian player. Despite being one of the favorites to win the tournament, Zambia was eliminated in the group stage.
The Chipolopolo Boys lost to Comoros before drawing with Botswana to make it five games now across two editions without a single win.
This disappointing exit raises questions about the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.
Zambia was using the COSAFA Championship as a preparatory occasion for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament set for East Africa later this year.
The best XI is led by coach Pedro Soares Goncalves of Angola, who masterminded his team’s success in the tournament.
His tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players were evident throughout the competition.
Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Addison Cipriano (Mozambique)
Defenders: Puso Dithejane (South Africa), Pedro Fransisco (Angola), Kamogelo Sebelebele (South Africa), Alexandre Fernando (Angola)
Midfielders: Gape Moralo (South Africa), Victor Nanque (Angola), Kellano Manuel (Angola)
Forwards: Laurindo Aurelio (Angola), Ambrosini Salvador (Angola), Idris Mohamed (Comoros)
The COSAFA Cup 2025 best XI serves as a benchmark for teams to gauge their performance and identify areas for improvement. Zambia, in particular, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to bounce back stronger in future competitions.
