COSAFA’s Remarkable Rise: 7 Teams Qualify for AFCON 2025 Morocco

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) is celebrating a historic milestone as seven of its member nations have qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be hosted in Morocco.

This achievement marks a significant shift in African football dynamics, demonstrating that Southern African teams are not only competing but excelling on the continental stage.

Walter Nyamilandu Manda, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) and COSAFA Executive Member, expressed his pride in this transformative development. Reflecting on the region’s progress, he remarked.

“Gone are the days when the West and North dominated African football. The gap has certainly been bridged!”

Nyamilandu highlighted the inspiring trajectory of COSAFA teams, emphasizing that the dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and claiming the AFCON title is becoming increasingly attainable for the region.

The qualification of seven COSAFA teams is a testament to the region’s commitment to football development and competitive excellence. It signals a new era where Southern African nations are emerging as powerhouses in African football, challenging the long-standing dominance of Western and Northern African teams.

This breakthrough represents more than just numbers; it reflects a growing belief in the potential of COSAFA nations to achieve success on the biggest stages. With AFCON 2025 just around the corner, the region’s representatives are poised to make an indelible mark in Morocco, inspiring future generations and reshaping the narrative of African football.

The progress of COSAFA is not just a win for the region but for African football as a whole, as it moves towards a more inclusive and competitive landscape.