Gladiators’ Cosafa fate in other hands

Namibia’s hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Women’s Championship now rest on the outcome of today’s final Group C match between Mozambique and Madagascar.

The decisive Group C encounter will be played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa at 15:00.

The Brave Gladiators remain in contention despite Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Madagascar at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane. However, their path to the last four now depends on the final group standings.

Madagascar and Namibia are level on three points and a goal difference of +1, with Madagascar currently ahead following their head-to-head victory.

A win or draw for Madagascar today would see Namibia exit the tournament. The Gladiators will therefore be hoping for a Mozambique victory to force all three teams onto three points and bring goal difference into play.

Madagascar strike proves decisive

Lesley Kakuva’s side had hoped to secure qualification with a win on Monday, but Madagascar delivered a disciplined performance.

Aimee Razanapiavy’s 24th-minute goal, assisted by Nomenjanahary Exdoxie, proved decisive and handed Madagascar all three points.

“It is disappointing that we did not take our chances and this has made things a bit complicated as far as qualifying for the next round is concerned,” said Kakuva.

“There is still a glimmer of hope provided Mozambique beat Madagascar in their final game so that we can all finish on three points.”

Group standings

Madagascar currently top Group C on three points, ahead of Namibia on the same tally, while Mozambique remain bottom without a point.

As it stands, Madagascar need only a draw against Mozambique to seal qualification. Namibia, meanwhile, require a Mozambique win to keep their semi-final ambitions alive.

The match

Kakuva made two changes to the side that beat Mozambique, with Nancy Lebang and Julia Rutjindo replacing Lorraine Jossop and Muhinatjo Hanavi.

Namibia nearly took the lead from a free-kick when Zenatha Coleman found Lovisa Mulunga, but Madagascar goalkeeper Veresantatra Diana reacted sharply to save.

Leena Alweendo and Millicent Hikuam both went close, while Lebang tested Diana five minutes before the break, only for the goalkeeper to produce another fine stop.

The Gladiators pushed for an equaliser in the second half and won several set-pieces, but were repeatedly denied by Diana’s athleticism and alertness.

Substitutions made little impact as Namibia struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances.

Madagascar almost added a second late on, with Sylvia Mamonjy narrowly missing the target.

“As a team, we have given our best so far, and we can only hope things turn out well for us,” added Kakuva.

“It was an unfortunate defeat, but I am sure the team will continue improving no matter how this tournament ends.”

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