Photo Credit: COSAFA Media
Lesotho stand are the leaders of Group C at the 2023 COSAFA Cup after Friday’s second match of the day ended in a 1-1 draw between Angola and Mozambique. Benarfa gave the Palancas Negras of Angola an early lead but Mozambique battled back and leveled in the final minutes through substitute Dayo Antonio. Mozambique will look to build on their momentum against Lesotho on Monday while Angola face Mauritius.
Angola were on the front foot from the opening whistle and it took less than three minutes for the Palancas to strike. Left back Mabele played the ball into space to find Caneta whose low cross found the run of Benarfa. The Primeiro de Agosto forward produced a low finish past Mozambique goalkeeper Víctor to leave the Mambas trailing early.
From then on it was an even battle between the teams and despite having a more experienced squad, Mozambique struggled to create opportunities. The closest the Mambas came in the first half was a header on target from Isac de Carvalho in the 27th minute but Angola keeper Nsesani held the ball without issue.
The Mambas continued to push on and were rewarded for keeping the match close in the 83rd minute. Nsesani attempted to catch a powerful long range effort from substitute Dário but fumbled the ball in front of the goal, allowing Dayo Antonio to swoop in and apply the finish from close range. Angola had a great opportunity to snatch the lead back in the final moments but an excellent diving save from Víctor prevented Enoque from becoming the hero.
Highlights from COSAFA TV are below.
