Madagascar bundle Baxter’s Bafana out

Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Cosafa Cup following a 4-3 loss on penalties to Madagascar after a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday.

Bafana were handed an early advantage after keeper Riyaard Pieterse saved the first penalty, but youngsters Jammie Webber and Luther Singh were unable to convert their spot-kicks and the islanders did not miss again.

The host nation only have themselves to blame after numerous goalscoring chances were wasted, particularly in the first half.

Bafana had an early chance to take the lead just three minutes into the game through a clever set-piece by Singh who squared the ball to Lebogang Maboe just outside the box, but the midfielder fired his shot over the bar.

With Baxter’s men enjoying most of the ball possession, there was another opportunity to get the ball into the net after Singh was put through on goal, but Madagascar goalkeeper Randrianasolo Rafelambolasoa was well-positioned to deny the Braga striker’s attempt in the 26th minute.

The visitors, meanwhile, exchanged some delightful passes with midfielder Adrianarimana coming close to breaching the South Africans’ defence.

However, it took them 33 minutes to have their first attempt at goal after a long-range drive by Bourahim flew inches over Pieterse’s bar.

A couple of minutes later, Maboe once again found himself with a glorious opportunity to put the home team in the lead, but he hammered straight at Rafelambolasoa who saved with his legs.

Despite a number of chances for Bafana, the teams went into the break goalless.

There was not much difference in the second half with Bafana continuing to dominate proceedings.

Leftback Aubrey Modiba was unlucky not to score after his thunderous shot in the 63rd minute cannoned off the bar.

At the other end, Madagascar striker Nasandrata tried to unleash a shot from long-range, but the Bafana defence was able to block his attempt.

In the end it was Madagascar who went through to the last four of the competition.