COSAFA Women’s Championship: Madagascar edge Namibia

Madagascar edged Namibia’s Brave Gladiators 1-0 in South Africa for the Barea Women’s first victory at the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship on Monday.

Winger Aimee Razanampiavy scored the lone goal for the islanders in the 24^th minute at Seshego Stadium to open options for all teams in Group C.

Going into the match, Namibia coach Lydia Hatznberg named almost the same starting XI that had overcome Mozambique 2-0 last week with Ivone Kooper being the focal point in attack and Zenatha Coleman dictating midfield play. Anajrasoa Velomananstolo was Madagascar’s heart and soul.

Who stands a chance to progress to the semifinals?

In the end, Razanampiavy’s strike for the Jimmy Radafison’s girls in the tournament’s only three-member group gave even bottom-placed Mozambique slim semifinal qualification hope.

 

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Madagascar joined the Namibians on three points each while Mozambique remain without a point.

Who will play next in Group C?

Barea Women will then conclude their assignments by facing Mozambique on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The overall winner of each group will progress to the semi-final stage alongside with the best runner up.

From the three-member group, results against the bottom sides in Groups A and B will be disregarded for the purposes of that calculation.

Madagascar Secure First Win at the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship

Madagascar edged Namibia’s Brave Gladiators 1-0 in South Africa to register the Barea Women’s first victory at the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship on Monday. The tightly contested encounter at Seshego Stadium proved decisive in reshaping the race for semifinal qualification in Group C.

Winger Aimee Razanampiavy scored the lone goal of the match in the 24th minute, capitalising on a moment of space inside the box to fire past the Namibian goalkeeper. Her early strike ultimately separated the two sides in what was a disciplined and tactically balanced contest.

The result now leaves Group C wide open, with all three teams still mathematically in contention for a semifinal berth.

How the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship Group C Is Shaping Up

Heading into the match, Namibia were full of confidence after their 2-0 victory over Mozambique last week. Coach Lydia Hatznberg named almost the same starting XI, maintaining continuity and tactical stability. Ivone Kooper remained the focal point in attack, while experienced midfielder Zenatha Coleman dictated play in the middle of the park.

However, Madagascar came prepared with a clear defensive strategy. Anajrasoa Velomananstolo emerged as the team’s driving force, providing composure and leadership throughout the match. The Barea Women absorbed pressure effectively and relied on swift transitions to threaten Namibia’s backline.

Razanampiavy’s goal proved to be the turning point. Despite Namibia’s attempts to equalise in the second half, Madagascar maintained defensive discipline to secure a crucial three points in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

With the victory, Madagascar joined Namibia on three points each, while Mozambique remain without a point after two matches.

Who Stands a Chance of Reaching the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship Semifinals?

The semifinal qualification scenario in Group C remains intriguing due to its unique three-team structure in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship.

Only the overall group winner automatically advances to the semifinals. In addition, the best runner-up across all groups will also progress. However, because Group C consists of only three teams, results against bottom-placed sides in Groups A and B will be disregarded when calculating the best runner-up.

This regulation keeps Mozambique’s hopes alive despite sitting at the bottom of the table. A victory in their final match could significantly alter the standings and potentially propel them into contention, depending on goal difference and other results.

Madagascar, meanwhile, have placed themselves in a strong position. Another win would almost certainly guarantee progression. Namibia also remain firmly in the race, with goal difference likely to play a decisive role.

What’s Next in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship Group C?

Madagascar’s Barea Women will conclude their Group C campaign by facing Mozambique on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. The outcome of that fixture will determine the final standings and clarify which team progresses to the knockout stage.

Namibia will be closely monitoring the result, knowing that qualification may depend on the margin of victory or defeat. With only one group match remaining, every goal could prove decisive in the broader semifinal picture.

The 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship continues to highlight the competitiveness of women’s football in Southern Africa. Narrow scorelines and evenly matched teams have defined the tournament so far, and Group C is no exception.

Madagascar’s slim but vital victory over Namibia has added fresh drama to the competition. As the final group fixtures approach, fans can expect heightened intensity, tactical battles, and potentially dramatic qualification scenarios.