02 Jul 2014

Football lovers celebrated Sir Seretse Khama Day in style after the senior national team, the Zebras, trounced Tanzania 4-2 in a friendly game at National Stadium.

Taifa Stars were the first to draw blood on the 26^th minute through Khamis Khamisi after Zebras defenders failed to clear a throw-in by Oscar Fanuel.

But the visitors’ celebration was short-lived as Jerome “JJ” Ramatlhakwana made it a one all after he received a well taken cross from Otlantshekela Mooketsi on the 38^th minute.

Ramatlhakwana’s goal seemed to inject energy into his team mates because they continued to move forward, searching for another goal although the game went to a recess with both sides having scored one each.

Immediately after half time, Zebras coach Peter Butler made three substitutions: Mooketsi, Galabgwe Moyana and Jackie Mothatego were replaced by Karabo Phiri, and Edwin Olerile and Kabelo Seakanyeng. Soon after the substitution, Lemponye Tshiretso found the back of the net to make it 2-1 for the Zebras.

The local lads continued to pile pressure on Taifa Stars and their hard work and resilience paid dividends when Bonolo Phuduhudu converted what was a classic goal after the visitors failed to clear a cross from Thato Ogopotse, to make it 3-1.

After the goal the Zebras never relaxed; they continued to put more fire on the Tanzanian goal posts, and the young Karabo Phiri, who came in as a substitute, sealed the Zebras victory to make it 4-1.

However five minute before the last whistle Zebras defender Edwin Olerile conceded a penalty after tackling Haruna Chanongo inside the box, and John Bocco easily converted, to make a final score of 4-2.The Zebras will play Guinea Bissau in a 2015 AFCON qualifiers at the National Stadium on July 19. ENDS