Madagascar squeezed into the Cosafa Cup quarter-finals Friday thanks to a 1-1 draw with Swaziland in South Africa and some help from the referee.

After finishing level on seven points and plus-three goal differences with the Swazis, the Malagasy retained first place in Group B because they scored more goals.

The Zimbabwe referee had a crucial bearing on the southern Africa championship match at Royal Bafokeng Sports Place in north-west platinum mining town Rustenburg.

Madagascar were clinging to a one-goal lead midway through the second half when a Swazi cross was handled in the box by Francois Andrianomenjanahary under pressure.

However, instead of awarding a penalty, the match official signalled a free-kick to the Malagasy for a foul only he seemed to spot.

Swaziland substitute Sabelo Ndzinisa did level on 79 minutes to set up a tense finish and his side had several late chances to snatch victory.

Goalkeeper Jean Dieudonne parried a point-blank shot from Mthunzi Mkhontfo into the path of Xolani Sibandze, who blazed over.

Michel Randriamanjaka had put the Malagasy ahead after eight minutes by converting a penalty awarded for a clumsy challenge.

The Indian Ocean islanders face four-time African champions and Cosafa Cup 'guests' Ghana Monday in the quarter-finals.

"I am bitterly disappointed," admitted Swaziland coach Harries Bulunga. "We conceded one goal in three matches and are eliminated.

"The Cosafa Cup will miss us as I believe we played attractive football and were worthy of a place in the knockout stages."

A disastrous tournament for Tanzania continued when they fell 1-0 to Lesotho in a match to decide third place at Moruleng Stadium, 70 kilometres north of Rustenburg.

Jeremea Kamela snatched the lone goal on 76 minutes by scrambling the ball over the line after a Mabuti Potloane free-kick rebounded off the underside of the bar.

Tanzania, guided by Dutch coach Mart Nooij and the highest ranked of the eight countries who competed in the group stage, also lost to Madagascar and Swaziland.

Namibia won Group A by trouncing Zimbabwe 4-1 and face defending champions Zambia Sunday in the quarter-finals.