Swaziland, Madagascar lead Cosafa group B
Even in a battle of minnows, there still has to be one winner. And that winner was Madagascar who came from behind to beat Lesotho 2-1 win in a group B opener at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in North West Province on Monday evening.
On the 26th minute, Lesotho put themselves in front when striker Thapelo Tale made the most of Njakanirina Tobisoa’s spilled clearance to score past Madagascar goalkeeper Randrianasolo Jean Dieu Donne.
The result has Madagascar, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2008, on second positon in Group B which Swaziland lead on superior goal aggregate after edging out wasteful Tanzania who last participated in this cup in 1997 and are here as guests alongside Ghana.
However, the lead lasted for only 10 minutes as Madagascar replied through towering striker Sarivahy Vombola’s neat hard and low finish following some Lesotho’s comical defending.
Half time found both teams on equal footing even though it was Madagascar who looked more threatening on the break.
In the second half, substitute Rabeasimbola Lanto gave Madagascar the lead when he swept the ball to the far right bottom corner of the net with five minutes remaining on the clock. The goal jerked Lesotho to life, but it was too late to trouble hard-running and energetic Madagascar.
In the second game, Tanzania started strongly in a night kick-off but attackers Mrisho Ngasa and Said Juma failed to find a way of burying the ball past the defence marshalled by Agrey Ambros.
As the first half wore on, Swaziland came out of their blocks with overlapping right back Sifiso Mabila slicing the opponent’s defence on the right, cut inside to drill his low shot into the far left of stranded goalkeeper Deogratias Munish on the 42nd minute.
As we went to press, the action returned to Moruleng Stadium where group A pacesetters Zimbabwe were taking on defensive Seychelles who frustrated Namibia to a goalless draw on Sunday. So far it is Zimbabwe that has captured the imagination of fans due to their attacking football.
*PETER KANJERE, IN RUSTENBURG, SA
