Felix Badenhorst became the joint all-time leading goal-scorer in the history of the COSAFA Cup yesterday, but it was still not enough as his Eswatini side were held to a 2-2 draw by Comoros Islands at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
The 29-year-old forward scored his eighth goal of the competition overall to draw level with Zimbabwe legend Peter Ndlovu and also struck the post as the Swazi’s were left frustrated in Durban.
Coach Kosta Papic admitted it was not the ideal result, especially after also playing to a 2-2 draw in their opener against Mauritius at the weekend.
The match was Eswatini’s final one of Group A and means they must now wait to see what happens in Wednesday’s final game between the two island nations to learn their fate in the competition.
Their pool is made up of just three teams after Angola’s last-minute withdrawal from the competition.
Only group winners progress to the quarter-finals and Badenhorst admits it was a chance missed for the Swazis.
Badenhorst was not too fussed about his record-breaking goal, saying it was the team that mattered more.
In truth, his Swazi side should have won the game having dominated for large parts of it. They lead when Sabelo Ndzinisa put them ahead after 24 minutes, only for Boina Raidou to level just before the break.
Badenhorst’s second of the tournament put Eswatini back ahead after the restart, before Youssouf Ibroihim’s leveler secured a share of the spoils. Badenhorst was not impressed.
Comoros coach Chamite Abderemane praised his players for their effort against a side he felt were much stronger heading into the game.
However, he conceded they could have taken advantage of tiredness in the opposition camp after Eswatini had to play two games within the space of three days.
Day four of action continues on today when Group B will again be the focus. First up is Seychelles vs Mozambique at 3pm, followed by Namibia against Malawi at 5.30pm. – Report by Thahir Asmal
