12 Oct 2014

The Zebras’ galloping to the 2015 AFCON games reached a dead end after losing 0-2 to Egypt in a game played before a full house at the National Stadium on Friday evening (October 10). 

Coaches of the two teams, Peter Butler and Shaky Gharib were under pressure after losing their previous two games to Senegal and Tunisia. 

They needed victory not just to quell criticism and save their jobs, but pride was also at stake. 

Butler has been receiving mixed reviews although a majority of the people are impressed by his style, especially the introduction of youthful players such as Segolame Boy and Khumoetsile Kufigwa who have grown to become household names. 

The problem has been the lack of goals which has forced him to call on the services of unattached players, Jerome Ramatlhakwane and Galabgwe Moyana. 

Pharaohs’ goalkeeper, Ahmed El Shewawy was on holiday as he had little to do, especially in the first half. 

At the other end, Kabelo Dambe had a busy night as he was constantly called to thwart the Pharaohs attacks. 

Ramatlhakwane started as a lone striker while Joel Mogorosi was on his usual flank, and the two players could not link, including Obuile Ncenga who had a problem on the left flank whenever he tried to add numbers up front. 

Ncenga had a difficult time in his flank and it provided a favourite route for Walid Soliman, Mohamad Salah and Ahmed Fathy to launch attacks. 

In one instance, Zebras supporters had already given up hope after Ncenga lost the ball to Salah but fortunately, Amr El Soulia shot wide. 

The Zebras failed to exchange more than three passes as the opponents did not give them room to play, and they showed lack of confidence on the ball.

They also failed to exchange a few passes, the minute they held the ball, they lost it to the Pharaohs. 

With Ramatlhakwane used as a lone striker, the local boys played long aerial balls but the much physically fit Egyptian defenders managed to clear the ball with ease. 

The nation must thank Dambe for keeping a clean sheet in the first half after his good saw him stopping everything thrown at him. 

In one instance, he denied Chelsea based Salah after  dribbling past two defenders. 

It was in the second half where things changed dramatically. Butler introduced Leutwetse Tshireletso for Obuile and also Lemponye Tshireletso was withdrawn for Thato Ogopotse. 

Mohamed Elneny broke the deadlock with a long range shot. 

One would have thought the Zebras would come out in full force to look for an equaliser, but their inaccurate passes and poor decisions saw them sinking further. 

In a bid to revive their fortunes, Butler pulled out Mogakolodi Ngele and introduced Kufigwa. 

The Pharaohs however continued to pile pressure and eventually extended the lead through Salah after they exchanged passes just outside the penalty area. 

Through the victory, the seven times continental champions are now back on track, especially after Group G leaders, Senegal and Tunisia, played to a goalless draw while Botswana is languishing at the bottom of the log without any point. 

Egypt hosts Botswana in the return leg to be played on Wednesday, October 15 and all pressure is on the Zebras to at least bow out with pride. ENDS