Cosafa Cup: Madagascar beat Ghana to kick Stars out of title reckoning

Ghana’s local Black Stars have been booted out of contention for the 2015 Cosafa Cup title at first attempt.

The coach Maxwell Konadu sidehad looked to be holding Madagascar to a 1-1 draw but conceded a very late goal in the quarterfinals clash at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Monday.

Madagascar who had played three games prior to the clash with Ghana were more composed and tactical in their approach while the Black Stars struggled to impose a coordinative play despite enjoying the major part of possession.

Rhino Randiamanjaka drew first blood with a sweet free-kick in the 28th minute which beat former Orlando Pirates’ Fatau Dauda in post for the West African guests.

Winger Daniel Darkwah pulled level 9 minutes later with an equally brilliant volley from 30 yards.

Ghana failed to convert numerous opportunities in a second half that saw both sides introduce new faces in their plots to secure victory.

And the Islanders, through Olivier Simouri, pulled another stunner which caught Dauda out of position for the match winner just in added time.

Madagascar advance to the semi-finals while Ghana will however have another opportunity to play two more games as they join three other losing quarterfinalists in a plate competition.

A mini draw will be held to determine opponents for the Local Black Stars in the plate semi-finals set for May 27 at the Moruleng with its finals coming off on Friday, May 29.

Line-ups
Ghana: Fatau Dauda, Godfred Saka, Adams Ahmed, Alfred Nelson, Tijani Joshua - Malik Akowuah/68’ Isaac Twum, Michael Akuffu, Hans Kwofie, Daniel Darkwah/79’ Bernard Morrison - Yakubu Mohammed, Nathaniel Asamoah/86’ Kwame Boateng

Madagascar: Jean Dieudonne, Njakanirina Tobisia, Fenolahy Zenith, Francois Andrianomenjanahary, Michael Rabeson, Simouri Olivier, Dina Razanakoto/49’ Jean Claude Marobe, Claudel Fanomezana/83’ Florent Rajaoniasy, Lantoniaina Andriamanalina, Rinho Randriamanjaka/64’ Lantonirina Rabehasinmbola, Martin Rakotoharimalala

Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/