Posted in News on Jul 21, 2002.
The locals, who will host Swaziland early in September, were
held to a goalless draw after regulation time and their fate in the tournament that was launched in 1997 had to be decided on penalties.
Bafana, hosting Madagascar for the third time, emerged
victorious when four of their players converted while only one
player from the visitors scored to make it 4-1.
Goalkeeper Andre Arendse, who was awarded a trophy and R10 000 for his 50th cap, proved to be more than equal to the task when he blocked a penalty just after Olivier Rakotondranoro had been denied by the post.
Stanton Fredericks, Cyril Nzama, Jabu Pule and Clement Mazibuko all elicited rapturous applause from the stadium in scoring their spot kicks against goalkeeper Jean Chrysostone Raharison, who had stood his ground through ninety minutes.
Madagascar captain Mamisoa Razafindrianoelsion was voted Man of the Match for his sterling role at the back where the skipper, along with Norbert Randrianoelsion, Jimmy Radafison and Olivier Rakotondranoro, played their hearts out in denying the locals who had been set up on countless occasions by the admirably troublesome Mazibuko.
The victory - which was Bafanas' third against Madagascar, was
not only sweet music to soccer enthusiasts but also a to those who wanted to retain the services of coach Jomo Sono.
Sono, who had indicated that he would step down if Bafana had lost, will now continue in the job although he reiterated that "for as long we win I continue, but lose I am gone".
The coach also praised his charges.
"They played well if one takes into consideration the fact that
some are unfit. I believe that they will be okay for our next game because the Premier Soccer League resumes very soon," he said of the side he assembled in just one week.
Captain Arendse shared his mentor's sentiments.
"All we needed was focus and it was there," he said.
