By Admin,

Madagascar beat Tanzania 2-0 in their 2015 Cosafa Cup Group B match held at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Goals in each half by Rakotoharimalala and Randriamanjaka ensured the Barea were victorious and bagged their second win of the tournament, having beaten Lesotho 2-1 in their first game on Monday.

The loss was the second one for the Taifa Stars following their 1-0 defeat against Swaziland.

Led by the influential skipper Michael Rabeson, the Islanders showed their intentions as early as the fifth minute when they attacked Tanzania, but Francois saw his shot flying over the bar.

Three minutes later, coach Franck Rajaonarisamba’s men surged forward in search of an early opener and the skipper Rabeson nearly found the back of the net when he failed to direct his shot.

In the 14th minute, Rakotoharimalala blasted the ball into the top of the net, giving goalkeeper Deogratias no chance to make a save, thus handing his side the lead.

In what was seen as a one-sided match, Tanzania started to come back and made their moves going forward when they were rewarded with a set-piece after great possession.

However, goalkeeper Dieudonne made a convincing save to deny Tanzania’s first shot on target.

In the 44th minute, midfielder Randriamanjaka fired home after finding space on the right-hand side of the box and made it 2-0 for the Islanders with one minute to the interval.

Just after five minutes into the second half, Tanzania were caught off-side as their towering striker Bocco made a brilliant move to sneak past Madagascar defence.

Three minutes later, goalkeeper Randrianasolo was called into action as he came off his line to block Msuva as he was about to shoot after breaking clear, giving Maart Nooij’s men their first attack of the second stanza.

Although there was nothing much from the Stars, the Islanders kept their shape at the back and fought hard to maintain their lead, thus walking away with the three points.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com