COSAFA Cup: Magagula's free kick helps Eswatini claw point off Madagascar

Photo: COSAFA Media

A second half free kick from Andy Junior Magagula gave Eswatini a point from their first match on Monday at the 2025 COSAFA Cup with a 1-1 draw against Group C leaders Madagascar.

Magagula's brilliant equalizer gave Eswatini a deserved point in a hard fought clash with the Barea of Madagascar, who failed to confirm themselves as the winners of Group C. Eswatini can now overtake Madagascar to win the group and advance to the semifinals if they can defeat guest nation Tanzania on Wednesday.

The match got off to a slow start but rounded into a competitive match as it wore on. However, slack passing in the back from the Eswatini defense allowed the Barea to pounce and a quick team movement ended with Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa's opener in the 41st minute.

But the scoring opportunities continued to increase and Magagula's moment of quality drew the teams level soon after the hour mark. Madagascar had an opportunity to settle the group but their failure to hold onto the lead on Monday leaves an opening for Eswatini to sneak into the final four. Tanzania are already eliminated from contention for the semifinals after falling to defeat to Madagascar in their opening match.

Group C Table

	GP	Points
Madagascar	2	4
Eswatini	1	1
Tanzania	1	0

• The group winner qualifies for the semifinals.

Group C Remaining Fixture

• June 11: Eswatini vs Tanzania (13:00 GMT)