By Mbongeni Vilakati
MBABANE – Angola claimed the COSAFA Cup after cruising 5-0 over 10-man Namibia in the finals that were played yesterday (Sunday, July 7, 2024) at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
According to Cosafa.com, the champions had a flawless campaign as they claimed their fourth title and a first since 2004, with the biggest win in a COSAFA Cup final, breaking the 3-0 record of the two-legged decider between Lesotho and Zimbabwe in 2000.
The National team, Sihlangu was also part of the 12 countries that took part in the tournament. Sihlangu was in group A against hosts South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique. The team that was lead by Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane played two goalless draw against Botswana and Mozambique and lost 1-0 to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Angola ended the tournament as the highest scorers having recorded 13 goals, five of which were banged by the tournament’s Golden Boot winner Laurindo Aurelio. They recorded wins over Seychelles (3-2) and Lesotho (3-1), and a goalless draw against Namibia in the group stage. In the semi-finals, Angola eliminated Comoros following a 2-1 victory, before the big win over Namibia in the finals.
Meanwhile, Mozambique settled for the bronze medal when they defeated Comoros 3-1 on penalties, following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the third-place play-off. Comoros were awarded the Fair play award after reaching their first ever semi-final.
COSAFA CUP Podium Finishers:
Champions- Angola
Runner-up – Namibia
Third Place – Mozambique
Award Winners:
Best Player of the Tournament – Antonio Muanza (Angola)
Golden Boot Winner – Laurindo Aurelio (Angola)
Golden Glove Winner – Armando Doutor (Mozambique)
Fair Play Award – Comoros
