Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala makes full Bafana Bafana debut as SA disappoint against Mauritius but Vela Khumalo's side squeeze their way to Cosafa Cup semi-finals

Vela Khumalo's Bafana Bafana side managed to progress to the semi-final of the 2025 Cosafa Cup despite a goalless draw against Mauritius at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Tuesday.

South Africa, who had Mduduzi Shabalala making his full debut, were looking for their second win in the group. They showed anger from the word go, but Mauritius remained resilient and eventually held their opponents at bay.

Clear chances for South Africa fell on Ime Okon, one of the scorers in the previous game, but the Kaizer Chiefs-linked defender could not break the deadlock with the opportunity.

Late in the first half, South Africa came close again, but Aiden McCarthy sent his effort wide from a promising position.

Mauritius had a goal-scoring chance, but Cooper Legrand was unable to find the back of the net while inside the six-yard box.

Eventually, it is South Africa that advanced to the semifinal courtesy of a superior goal difference over their opponents, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Khumalo managed to help South Africa navigate the seemingly tight group. Under his guidance, Bafana have boosted their chances of winning the trophy on home soil.

Mauritius have left the tournament without winning a single game.

Guillaume Moullec's side also leaves sitting at the bottom of Group A.

South Africa will learn their semi-final opponent later when the other matches are concluded.