Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Mart Nooij © Backpagepix
Lesotho and Tanzania both have a chance on Wednesday to restore their Cosafa Cup hopes, but defeat for a second successive game will knock them out of the running for the quarterfinals.
The two countries were surprise losers on the opening day of Group B action at the southern African championship on Monday, but 48 hours later have a chance to restore parity in the standings.
Lesotho let an early lead slip and gave up a late goal to go down 2-1 to Madagascar, who registered their first win in the tournament since 2007.
Swaziland were surprise victors over Tanzania, who had the bulk of the attacking play but were let down by poor finishing.
The Taifa Stars are a guest team at the 14-team tournament and grateful for some international competition before they begin the African Nations Cup qualifiers next month.
“It’s a tough schedule but we need to play as much international football as we can,” said their coach Mart Nooij.
The double header at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Wednesday will start with Tanzania against Madagascar first, followed by the derby between Lesotho and Swaziland.
If Lesotho and Tanzania produce wins, then all four sides will be square on points going into the final set of games on Friday.
Only the Group B winner advances to a quarterfinal meeting with Ghana on Monday.