Swaziland atoned for last weekend's Nations Cup rout in Libya with victory over Madagascar to qualify for the semi-finals of the Cosafa Cup on Sunday.

The result restored some pride to the Swazis after a 6-2 thrashing in Tripoli which ended their slim hopes of a place at Tunisia 2004.

It was a fifth consecutive defeat for the Indian Ocean islanders who fired Swiss coach Hans Heiniger after a shock 2-0 home defeat by Mauritius in the Nations Cup.

In a game long on perspiration but short on inspiration, the Swazis packed midfield to stifle the Malagasy, and created sufficient chances to win more convincingly.

Sent off

Siza Dlamini put them ahead after 30 minutes at Mbabane's Somhlolo Stadium and Mfanzile Dlamini added a second just six minutes after halftime.

The visitors had Heriniaina Ralison sent off for dissent after being cautioned for a late tackle.

Swaziland's John Mdluli also received his marching orders from Botswana referee Dumisani Mpofu following a minor scuffle with an opponent.

Swaziland join Malawi in the semi-finals of the annual southern African championship.

The other two semi-finalists will be known by the end of the month after matches in South Africa and Zambia.