Namibia and Botswana won through to the semifinals of the COSAFA Cup 2015 on a day of upsets at the Moruleng Stadium on Sunday.
Namibia ousted defending champions Zambia in a penalty shoot-out, while Botswana disposed of hosts South Africa in the same manner.
There were no goals over the two games but plenty of action, with each decided on penalties.
Zambia, playing their first game of the competition, took on Group A winners Namibia and despite dominating could not force a goal.
Brave Warriors goalkeeper Virgil Vries was the hero for his side making a number of fine saves.
Namibia then held their nerve in the shoot-out to claim the penalties win 5-4.
South Africa also had the majority of the possession in their tie against Botswana but in truth did little with it as they could not force a goal either.
Indeed, Botswana felt aggrieved at not getting a penalty at the end of the match that could have decided the game in their favour before spot-kicks.
But they always looked the more confident team in the shoot-out and were eventual 7-6 winners on the night
South Africa and Zambia now enter the Plate competition where they will be joined by Monday’s losing quarterfinalists.
Ghana now make their entry into the competition as they take on Group B winners Madagascar at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Monday (kick-off 17h00 local, 15h00 GMT).
The west African guest nation have brought a strong squad of home-based players and will be a real treat for local fans.
Madagascar have good momentum through the group stages where they won teo and drew one of their three matches, and looked solid throughout. What price a third upset?
The fourth quarterfinal sees Mozambique take on Malawi in another intriguing tie between two sides who may feel they are dark horses for the title.
That game is also at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace and kicks-off at 19h30 local time, 17h30 GMT.
SUNDAY’S QUARTERFINAL RESULTS
Quarterfinals
Zambia 0 Namibia 0 – Namibia won 5-4 on pens
South Africa 0 Botswana 0 – Botswana won 7-6 on pens
MONDAY’S QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES
Ghana vs Madagascar @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium (17h00 local, 15h00 GMT)
Mozambique vs Malawi @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium (19h30 local, 17h30 GMT)
STANDINGS
Group A P W D L GF GA Pts
Namibia 3 2 1 0 6 1 7
Zimbabwe 3 2 0 1 4 4 6
Mauritius 3 1 0 2 1 4 3
Seychelles 3 0 1 2 0 2 1
Group B P W D L GF GA Pts
Madagascar 3 2 1 0 5 2 7
Swaziland 3 2 1 0 4 1 7
Lesotho 3 1 0 2 2 4 3
Tanzania 3 0 0 3 0 4 0
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 14
Goals scored: 22
Biggest victory: Namibia 4 Zimbabwe 1 (Group A, May 21)
Most goals in a game: 5 – Namibia 4 Zimbabwe 1 (Group A, May 21)
GOALSCORERS
2 goals – Deon Hotto (Namibia), Michel Randriamanjaka (Madagascar), Benson Shilongo (Namibia)
1 – Talent Chawaphiwa (Zimbabwe), Ronald Chitiyo (Zimbabwe), Chris Katjiukua (Namibia), Jeremea Kamela (Lesotho), Sifiso Mabila (Swaziland), Raphael Manuvire (Zimbabwe), Mthunzi Mkhontfo (Swaziland), Sabelo Ndzinisa (Swaziland), Lantonirina Rabehasinmbola (Madagascar), Martin Rakotoharimalala (Madagascar), Carlos Rusere (Zimbabwe), Xolani Sibandze (Swaziland), Jean-Pierre Sophie (Mauritius), Thapelo Tale (Lesotho), Sadney Urikhob (Namibia), Sarivahy Vombola (Madagascar)