South Africa vs Zambia Predictions & Tips - Stalemate predicted for COSAFA Cup clash

Zambia ran out victors in their last fixture to get back to winning ways, while South Africa have won their last three fixtures. With a 24-hour gap between matches for both nations, rotation will take place. As a result, I'm tipping this clash to end in a draw.

Zambia hold a 7-5 lead against South Africa across 13 previous meetings with one draw.

They last met in October 2020 where Zambia won 2-1 in South Africa.

Bafana Bafana have won all three COSAFA Cup matches having failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON. They have already qualified for the COSAFA semi-finals.

South Africa needed a draw in Sudan to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations but lost 2-0. A 3-2 friendly win followed against Uganda.

In the COSAFA Cup, South Africa beat Botswana and Zambia 1-0 in their first two matches. Their last match saw a 4-0 win against Lesotho with Victor Letsoalo scoring a hat-trick and Sphelele Mhkulise netting once.

Goalkeepers: Veli Mothwa, Lincoln Vyver

Defenders: Rushine De Reuck, Nyiko Mobbie, Njabulo Ngcobo, Sifiso Ngobeni, Basil Mphahlele, Austin Dube, Vusi Sibiya, Ayabulela Konqobe

Midfielders: Masilake Pholongo, Ethan Brooks, Siyethemba Sithebe, Yusuf Maart, Bright Ndlovu, Siyanda Msani, Lebohang Maboe

Strikers: Thabang Sibanyoni, Monnapule Saleng, Kagiso Malinga, Victor Letsoalo

South Africa called up Victor Letsoalo for the last match and he scored three goals on debut. He will lead the attack with Orlando Pirates’ Monnapule Saleng in support.

Caretaker coach Morena Ramoreboli is expected to rotate his side with two games in two days. Lebohang Maboe and Ayabulela Konqobe joined the squad and could start in midfield.

Zambia lost their first two COSAFA Cup matches to compound the misery of not qualifying for AFCON 2021. They did however end their qualification campaign with a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe.

Since their disappointing AFCON campaign, Zambia have played three friendlies. They lost 3-1 to Senegal, drew 2-2 against Benin and beat Sudan 1-0.

They started the COSAFA Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Lesotho and a 1-0 loss to Eswatini. In their last match Zambia beat Botswana 2-1, Justin Shonga scored both goals.

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene, Gregory Sanjase, Lameck Siame

Defenders: Roderick Kabwe, Isaac Shamujompa, Roderick Kembo, Simon Silwimba, Adrian Chama, Dominic Chanda, Kabaso Chongo, Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi, Zachariah Chilongoshi

Midfielders: Spencer Sautu, Benson Sakala, Felix Bulaya, Paul Katema, Salulani Phiri, Collins Sikombe, Prince Mumba, Augustine Mulenga, Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, Jimmy Mukeya

Strikers: Moses Phiri, Rodger Kola, Gamphani Lungu, Brian Mwila, Justin Shonga, Friday Samu

Coach Milutin Sredojevic rested veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and midfielder Salulani Phiri against Botswana. Both are set for recalls.

With just one day between matches, there could be starts Benedict Chepeshi in defence and Brian Mwila up front.