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Three time winners Angola began their bid for a record fourth Cosafa Castle Cup title with a difficult 2-0 win over Lesotho in their Group C semifinal in Gaborone on Saturday.
The World Cup finalists will play hosts Botswana in Sunday’s final of the mini-tournament as they seek a place in the final four of the annual southern African championship.
Botswana won the second of Saturday’s semifinals with a narrow 1-0 win over Namibia.
Manucho and Santana scored in each half for Angola who had to survive several scares from their unfancied opponents before securing the win.
Manucho’s header in the 40th minute came directly after Angola’s goalkeeper Nuno had been forced into several saves to keep out Lesotho’s strikers.
Angola, who were runners-up in the competition last year to Zambia, only made sure of their victory with seven minutes left when substitute Santana reacted quickest to get a decisive header onto a pass from Gildo.
Botswana settled their victory with a 19th minute goal from midfielder Michael Mogaladi, who climbed highest at the back post to head home a corner.
The home team missed two other good chances before the break but then allowed an under strength Namibia to fights back in the second half.
It took a stunning last minute save from Botswana goalkeeper Modiri Marumo from a Levis Swartbooi shot to ensure the team’s win.
Botswana and Angola meet in Sunday’s Group C final, following a consolation match between Saturday’s losers.
The Group C winner will join Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia in the semifinal draw, to be conducted in Gaborone on Sunday.