By Jones Gadama
In a thrilling display of football prowess, Angola has been crowned the 2025 COSAFA Cup champions after defeating South Africa 3-0 in the final. This impressive victory marks Angola’s fifth COSAFA Cup title, following their previous wins in 1999, 2001, 2004, and 2024.
The Palancas Negras, Angola’s national team, demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy throughout the tournament, culminating in a dominant performance in the final match.
The team’s success can be attributed to the outstanding contributions of its players, particularly Laurindo Aurelio, who was named Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner after scoring eight goals throughout the competition.
Aurelio’s remarkable performance was matched by the exceptional goalkeeping of Adilson Da Cruz, who received the Golden Glove award for his outstanding saves and clean sheet in the final match. The team’s victory is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
The COSAFA Cup is an annual tournament featuring teams from Southern Africa, organized by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA).
The tournament has a rich history, with Zambia being the most successful team with seven titles, followed by Zimbabwe with six wins. Angola’s victory in the 2025 COSAFA Cup solidifies their position as a dominant force in Southern African football.
In other COSAFA news, Zambia has emerged victorious in the 2025 COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship, defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final.
This impressive win showcases the growing strength of Zambian women’s football and highlights the country’s potential for future success in regional and international competitions.
The COSAFA U-17 Girls’ Championship and the COSAFA U-20 Men’s Championship demonstrate the organization’s commitment to youth development and nurturing young talent in Southern Africa.
These tournaments provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills, gain experience, and potentially progress to senior national teams.
Angola’s victory in the 2025 COSAFA Cup is a significant achievement for the country’s football team, marking their fifth title in the tournament’s history. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork, and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Angolan footballers.
As the football world continues to evolve, COSAFA’s commitment to youth development and regional competitions will remain crucial in shaping the sport’s future in Southern Africa.





