The Group C encounter of the COSAFA Women’s Championship between Namibia and Madagascar ended in a 1–0 victory for the Malagasy side at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Namibia trailed 1–0 at halftime after a tightly contested opening period in which Madagascar looked more composed and purposeful. Their breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Christina Razanampiavy fired home to give her side the advantage.
The Brave Gladiators struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Madagascar effectively shutting down their key attacking threats. Namibia nearly levelled in the 30th minute, but Leena Alweendo narrowly missed the target before Nancy Lebang forced a save from the Malagasy goalkeeper.
After the break, Namibia pushed forward. A 60th-minute free kick delivery failed to connect with the intended target, and moments later, Ivonne Kooper could not latch onto a through ball from Lebang as Madagascar’s defence stood firm. The Gladiators introduced fresh legs, including Juliana Blou, Memory Ngonda and Twelikondjela Amukoto, in search of momentum.
Namibia threatened again in the 77th minute when a curling free kick was expertly tipped away by Malagasy shot-stopper Diana Andrianandrasana. Minutes later, Sylvia Mamonjy nearly doubled Madagascar’s lead, only for the Namibian goalkeeper Melissa Matheus to punch clear.
Late chances fell Namibia’s way, including an 88th-minute effort from Asteria Angula that drifted wide, but Madagascar’s defence and goalkeeper remained resolute. Even in stoppage time, Namibia’s final free-kick opportunity was safely dealt with, sealing the result.
Razanampiavy’s decisive performance earned her Player of the Match honours, capping a convincing display that keeps Madagascar’s campaign on track as, while Namibia exit the group with three points which they collected from beating Mozambique in their opening match.