Lesotho, Mauritius out of Cosafa Cup
Lesotho, Mauritius out of Cosafa Cup
Posted: 2009-10-22 11:03
Lesotho bowed out of the 13th edition of the Cosafa Senior Challenge despite beating 10-man Mauritius 1-0 at Rufaro Stadium yesterday afternoon in the last of Group A matches, a result that hands Zimbabwe a quarterfinal berth on aggregate.
Marabe Mokone could have gotten the breakthrough right at the death for Lesotho from a free kick just outside the box, it still was not enough to see them qualify for the last eight, for a fixture that will be played in Bulawayo on Monday.
The mountain kingdom side needed to beat Mauritius by at least a four goal margin but it was always going to be difficult as the islanders played a gritty closed game frustrating the otherwise mobile Lesotho.
A glut of missed chances were the order of the first 45 minutes despite slicing open the Mauritius rearguard at frequent intervals.
A lot of hurried efforts and passes made life easier for Mauritius who slowly began to get into the groove causing some anxious moments for the Leslie Notsi coached side. The result became a hollow victory for them but the tournament will sorely miss the good football Lesotho were playing.
They become the first team to go out of this competition without losing a game. Their gamely 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe on Monday earned them a point and the victory gave them four points - the same as Zimbabwe who qualified courtesy of a better aggregate after hitting three past Mauritius.
But Lesotho coach Notsi was not disappointed with the result.
“I could be going back home but the boys have given a good account of themselves. They displayed very good football and it is a pity that we are out yet we did not lose a match.
“We have learnt our lessons and I must admit Mauritius gave us a good game. They always give us a tough time and by the time they were reduced to 10-men, they had done enough to frustrate our boys. They too are a good side.
“As Lesotho, we are going home happy with our heads held high. The team is very young and I can see them go far when they finally mature. Even the fans saw that we can play well. Best wishes to Zimbabwe in their next match though," said Notsi.
Despite the narrow 1-0 loss Mauritius coach Akbar Patel thought his team played well.
“It was a good, good display by the team and I thought they did well under circumstances. The referee gave too much against us and nothing for to us. The sending off (of Jonathan Ernest) was very harsh and I hope he will have a chance to look at it again.”
Mauritius return home without a victory.
: 2009-10-22 12:14
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