11 Sep 2014

The senior national football team lost its AFCON qualifier match against Senegal in Gaborone on September 10.

Two late goals in each half made the journey much tougher for the Zebras which are now left with four games. The loss put the Zebras at the bottom of Group G with zero points in two games after losing 2-1 against Tunisia during the weekend. 

The hosts started the game well with an array of attacks and not giving the Lions of Teranga the respect they deserved. Senegal were playing with almost the same squad they used to beat the African giants Egypt 2-0 last weekend. 

The Zebras captain, Joel Mogorosi, was the first one to have a chance at goal in the opening minutes but he blew the shot over the cross bar. 

Zebras defender, Mosha Galeolaolwe made a mistake and the West Africans almost punished them but Modiri Marumo made his save of the day and denied Hame Dirame Diouf a chance to snap the lead. Senegal began their defence splitting passes, but Marumo saved once again by coming off the goal area to intercept the pass. 

Mogorosi had another chance to take the lead after Segolame Boy delivered a wonderful pass but the captain ballooned over the bar.

The Lions of Teranga on one side were good on the ball, they were able to possess the ball for quite an impressive amount of time. Their perseverance paid in the 39th minute after confusion in the Zebras defence and Sadio Mane wasted no time to put the ball past Marumo.

The game went to the break with the visitors leading and the Zebras came into the second half more determined to equalise. Mogogi Gabonamong almost brought hope back for the home crowd but his long range shot was deflected into a corner. 

On the hour mark, Jerome Ramatlhakwane who was a bit quite on the day had a chance to reverse the score inside the box but his powerless shot was easily saved by the Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coundont. The debut youngster, Boy was having a wonderful match and playing like a seasonal national team player. 

The Zebras head coach, Peter Butler then made his first changes of the day by bringing in Kabelo Seakanyeng and Galabgwe Moyana in place of Obonye Moswate and Otlantshekela Mooketsi respectively. 

The substitutions worked positively for the home team, they were showing some goodwill and determination to change the score line. Senegal were a bit down and were defending their lead. 

Zebras fought hard and the ball was stuck in the Senegal half but their efforts were not fruitful. Senegal’s dangerous duo Mane and Dame Ndoye were marked after their showdown in the first half. 

When it looked like the game was going to end with a solitary goal to nil, Senegal launched a counter attack and Mane’s cross from the right side was finished off with a wonderful volley from Ndoye and the game was put beyond the Zebras' reach. 

During a post-match interview, the Zebras coach Butler said they could not come up with any excuses to justify their result. He said despite the loss he was proud of the players because they did well against one of Africa's powerhouses. 

He said he gave a few players like Boy a chance to play and it was all part of building for the future. “We played against a very good team and they have advantage over us financially,” he said. 

He highlighted that the journey was still not yet over for them because they had four more games to reverse the deficit. For his part, the Senegal head coach, Alain Giresse said it was important for them to earn a point away from home. 

He said it was difficult enough for his players because they did not have enough rest after the Egypt game. He said they would take everything as it goes. ENDS