26 Mar 2015

The senior national football team coach, Peter Butler, says he was impressed by the Under 23’s performance against Lesotho on Wednesday evening (March 25).

The Young Zebras played an exciting brand of football as they outclassed Likoena 2-0 in a friendly at the National Stadium. Butler said though the Young Zebras appeared nervous at the beginning of the match, they managed to settle down in the second half.

Butler said he was impressed by the team's fighting spirit, adding that they would go places if given a chance to play more international games. “I am happy because it shows clearly that we have a good young group of players coming through and I can confidently say the future looks bright for Botswana football,” he said.

The game started at a high tempo with both teams giving little respect for one another and on the eighth minute, Lesotho was awarded a free-kick after Tapiwa Gadibolae fouled Mabuti Potloane. Although the Young Zebras defence failed to cover their goalkeeper, Bokang Mothoane’s free-kick lacked power.

As the game progressed, Lesotho continued to win free-kicks, which they failed to convert. Their dangerous player, Mohau Tale, squandered opportunities as he failed to pass balls to team-mates who were in good position.

The Young Zebras continued to move forward looking for a goal and were awarded a penalty on the 44th minute after Poloko Mohale fouled Onkabetse Makgantai and Mpho Kgaswane scored the resultant penalty to give Botswana the lead.

Lesotho tried their best to level matters in the second half, but the Young Zebras defence marshalled by Mosha Gaolaolwe stood firm.

On the 53rd minute, Young Zebras coach Keitumetse Paul, introduced Lebogang Ditsile and Thato Kebue for Bogosi Kaekwe and Gape Mohutsiwa respectively. Ditsele however played for 10 minutes only before sustaining a head injury.

On the 65th minute, Young Zebras scored the second goal through Kabelo Seakanyeng after a good build-up between Onkabetse Makgantai and Mpho Kgaswane.

Lesotho coach, Seephephe Matete said his new team was a little bit shaky because most of them were playing their first international game. He said the Young Zebras gave his side a lot of problem in the second half, adding they were also good at set pieces

Young Zebras coach, Paul said their game plan was to keep the ball and play in crosses. He said some of his players were not completely fit because they were not given game time at their respective teams, therefore it was imperative for the technical team to build their confidence. ENDS