05 Jul 2015

Frustration and anger was written all over the faces of few Zebras supporters after they watched their team booted out of the 2016 of the African Nations Cup Championships (CHAN) qualifiers on Saturday, July 4 at the National stadium.

The Zebras played to a one all draw against Likoena of Lesotho, resulted in Lesotho progressing to the final qualifier against Zimbabwe who proceeded with a 2-0 aggregate against Comoros Islands.

During the game, the local lads were a better side given that they enjoyed ball possession and created a lot of scoring opportunities which they failed to convert.

On the opening minute of the game, Lesotho won a free kick on a dangerous position which was well taken by Bokang Mothoana but Zebras young goalie was equally to the task.

Immediately after the free kick, Zebras unleashed a good attack but Kabelo Seakanyeng who was in a good position to score failed to compose in the box and ballooned the ball.

On the 10th minute, Lesotho won yet another free kick, but their free kick specialist Mothoana failed to crack Zebras defence led by the experienced Ofentse ‘Size-10’ Nato.

Zebras continued to move forward searching for an early goal, but lack of composure in the box and good decision making cost them.

Just before half time, the local lads suffered a major setback after Edwin Olerile was substituted due to injury and he was replaced by Katlego Koobake who did not disappointed but changed the complexion of the game.

The game went into a recess with the score board reading 0-0 and after the break, Zebras came more rejuvenated as they piled more pressure on the visitors, but they were not lucky on the day since most of their attempt went wide or either Lesotho keeper Mohau Kuemane defended them.
Sensing trouble, on the 68th minute, Lesotho coach made a double substitution by pulling out Ralekoti Mokhahlane and Thapelo Tale and replaced them with Litsepe Marabe and Thabiso Brown, who both gave their team a good shape.

Hardly 12 minutes after he was introduced, Brown scored a beauty for his side to put Lesotho in a good position to proceed to the next leg of the tournament.

The goal did not demoralise the local lads and instead fought hard as they piled more pressure on Lesotho defence and their hard work paid dividends two minutes before full time through Mpho Kgaswane header to make the score 1-1.

Kgaswane goal was not enough for the Zebras to proceed because their opponent had scored an important away goal rule.

After the game, Zebras coach, Peter Butler said he was disappointed with the loss, adding Lesotho scored totally scored against the run of play due to defensive error.

He however, said despite playing one all draw, he was happy because his side played good football on the day, given that they are still youngsters

“My boys didn’t score, and if you don’t take your chances you will not win your home games, but at the end of the day, I take full responsibility for the loss,” he said.

His counterpart, Seephephe Matete said his side played well more especially the defence department who managed to absorb a lot of pressure from the Zebras.

He said coming to the game, they were aware that Botswana was good on the wings, but they had a game plan for their wing back and right midfielders to support each other, adding the plan managed to work for his time more especially in the first half of the game. ENDS