01 Mar 2015

BDF XI bowed out of the CAF Confederations Cup gracefully after a 2-1 second-leg win over Young Africans on Friday evening (February 27). 

Trailing 2-0 from the first-leg match in Tanzania two weeks ago, the 10-men BDF XI produced a gallant fight, but ultimately tumbled out of the cup with a 3-2 aggregate.

The first half started at a slow pace with few opportunities created, but Yanga went ahead after skilful striker Mrisho Agasa powered in a header in the 29th-minute after a fumble by BDF XI goalkeeper Ontiretse Gaothobogwe. 

Matebele were reduced to 10 men after Othusitse Mpharitlhe received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle, but the hosts did not lose heart and managed to draw level in the 48th-minute through a goal by defender, Moreetsi Mosimanyana.

Then Yanga player Danny Mrwanga was sent off after a rough tackle, which meant that the two teams ran with equal numbers on the field again. 

The two teams played on equal strength, but Young Africans who seemed to be frustrated by the equalising goal, played rough on the army boys and had the referee showing their players more yellow cards.

Khumbulani Madziba who came on as a substitute for Vincent Nzombe salvaged pride for coach Letang Kgengwenyane and his boys as he scored the winning goal on the 85th-minute. 

Though they are out of the tournament, Matebele put a sterling performance and can now focus on the Mascom Top 8, and the Premier League. ENDS