South Africa and Botswana set for historic COSAFA Cup final meeting

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jun 24, 2016. 14:10

Botswana will take on South Africa in the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup final at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 5:30pm.

The Zebras reached their maiden COSAFA Cup final after beating the much fancied Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday night.

Following a goalless draw in a regulation time, Botswana caused an upset as they defeated the Leopards 5-4 on penalties in semi-final clash.

Mwampule Masule has been impressive in Botswana goal since replacing Kabelo Dame against Namibia in the quarter-final game last weekend.

The shot-stopper, who saved two crucial penalties against Namibia and DR Congo, and young striker Onkabetse will look to inspire the Zebras to a history victory on Saturday.

Botswana head coach Peter Butler has stated that their aim to overcome South Africa and return home with the prestigious regional title.

Meanwhile, South Africa will be eyeing their fourth COSAFA Cup title when they face Botswana in Windhoek on Saturday evening.

Bafana Bafana easily booked their place in the final after humiliating Swaziland 5-1 in an exciting semi-final encounter in midweek.

Goals from Menzi Masuku, Lebogang Phiri, Judas Moseamedi and Thabiso Kutumela earned Bafana a convincing victory on the night.

South Africa will be boosted by the return of prolific midfielder Gift Motupa against Botswana. The midfielder was suspended against Swaziland.

Motupa, who is currently in the books of Orlando Pirates, netted against Lesotho in the quarter-final encounter last weekend.

Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba will be hoping that his youthful side overcome Botswana and make SA one of the most decorated nations in COSAFA.

South Africa are also eager to avenge the 7-6 defeat on penalties to Botswana at last year's COSAFA Cup. The match had ended in a goalless draw.

Saturday's clash will be the tenth meeting between Botswana and SA since the latter returned from isolation in 1992.

Bafana have emerged victories six times compared to the zebras' two wins. One match has ended in a stalemate.