South Africa and Botswana will play in the final of the 2016 COSAFA Castle Cup after both came through contrasting semifinals at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday.
South Africa defeated Swaziland 5-1 in a one-sided affair in the first Last 4 match, before Botswana missed a host of opportunities as they drew 0-0 with guest nation DR Congo.
The Zebras, for the second round in a row, triumphed 5-4 on the penalty-shootout to book a first ever visit to the COSAFA Castle Cup final.
In truth it was no more than Botswana deserved after they created a number of excellent opportunities but were denied by the brilliance of DR Congo goalkeeper Herve Lomboto.
Thabang Sesinyi was the major culprit as he hit the woodwork twice and also spurned two more great chances.
But like in their quarterfinal against hosts Namibia, Botswana were confident in the shoot-out and when Guy Basisila had his penalty saved by Botswana keeper Mwampelo Masule, the Zebras kept their cool to complete the job.
South Africa booked their place in the final with victory over Swaziland that was truly a game of two halves.
Swaziland were the better side in the opening period having held South Africa well and went into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal from Tony Tsabedze.
The veteran winger enjoyed a long career in the PSL and showed great composure with his finish having been set on goal by Felix Badenhorst.
But the game changed five minutes after halftime when Swaziland defender Siyabonga Mdluli received a second yellow card and was sent-off.
Thabiso Kutumela drilled the resultant free-kick home and South Africa were level and a man to the good.
They poured forward in search of more goals and were rewarded as Lebogang Phiri gave them, the lead with a deflected shot.
Menzi Masuku then got the first of his two goals and Judas Moseamedi waltzed through a static Swaziland defence as South Africa recorded a handsome win.
Namibia will now meet Zambia in the COSAFA Castle Cup Plate Final on Friday, after which Swaziland and DR Congo play for bronze in the main Cup competition on Saturday.
After that will be the Cup final as Botswana chase a first COSAFA Castle Cup title and South Africa seek to join Zambia and Zimbabwe as four-time winners.
WEDNESDAY’S CUP SEMIFINAL RESULTS
South Africa 5 (Kutumela 52’, Phiri 57’, Masuku 60’, 83, Moseamedi 75’) Swaziland 1 (Tsabedze 38’)
Botswana 0 DR Congo 0 – Botswana win 5-4 on penalties
FRIDAY’S PLATE FINAL FIXTURE
Namibia vs Zambia (17h00 local; 16h00 GMT) – Sam Nujoma Stadium
SATURDAY’S CUP THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF
Swaziland vs DR Congo (15h00 local; 14h00 GMT) – Sam Nujoma Stadium
SATURDAY’S CUP FINAL
South Africa vs Botswana (17h30 local; 16h60 GMT) – Sam Nujoma Stadium
STANDINGS
Group A P W D L GF GA Pts
Swaziland 3 2 1 0 7 2 7
Zimbabwe 3 1 2 0 7 2 5
Madagascar 3 1 1 1 1 1 4
Seychelles 3 0 0 3 0 10 0
Group B P W D L GF GA Pts
Lesotho 3 3 0 0 6 0 9
Malawi 3 2 0 1 4 1 6
Mauritius 3 1 0 2 2 4 3
Angola 3 0 0 3 0 7 0
TOURNAMENT STATS
Matches Played: 20
Goals scored: 46
Biggest victory: Zimbabwe 5 Seychelles 0 (Group A, June 15)
Most goals in a game: 6 – South Africa 5 Swaziland 1 (Semifinals, June 22)
GOALSCORERS
5 goals – Felix Badenhorst (Swaziland)
3 – Gabadinho Mhango (Malawi), Jane Thaba-Ntso (Lesotho)
2 – Menzi Masuku (South Africa), Lawrence Mhlanga (Zimbabwe), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Zimbabwe), Hendrick Somaeb (Namibia)
1 – Luis Dorza (Mauritius), Claudel Fanomenza (Madagascar), Miracle Gabeya (Malawi), Teenage Hadebe (Zimbabwe), Deon Hotto (Namibia), Hlompho Kalake (Lesotho), Jeremea Kamela (Lesotho), Paul Katema (Zambia), Itamunua Keimuine (Namibia), Tumelo Khutlang (Lesotho), Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa), Basia Makepe (Lesotho), Judas Moseamedi (South Africa), Sera Motebang (Lesotho), Gift Motupa (South Africa), Tatenda Mudehwe (Zimbabwe), Njubulo Ndlovo (Swaziland), Wonder Nhleko (Swaziland), Nelson Omba (DR Congo), Lebogang Phiri (South Africa), Spencer Sautu (Zambia), Andy Sophie (Mauritius), Obadiah Tarumbwa (Zimbabwe), Tony Tsabedze (Swaziland, Phafa Tsosane (Lesotho), Charles Zulu (Zambia)
Own goals – Dacosta Angula (Namibia)
