14 Oct 2015

Botswana advanced to the second round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers after beating Eritrea 3-1 in Francistown yesterday (October 13). 

Goals from captain, Joel Mogorosi, and attacking midfielder, Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele, sealed victory for the  Zebras, who controlled the game from start to finish.  

The victory ensured Botswana won with a 5-1 aggregate following the Zebras' 2-0 victory Eritrea on Saturday (October 10). On Tuesday, the Zebras were given an early scare when Goitom Henok beat Mosha Gaolaolwe and Boitumelo Mafoko to put Eritrea in the lead.

However, Peter Butler's men responded by pelting the visitors with wave after wave of attacks with wingers Kabelo Seakanyeng and Galabgwe Moyana delivering dangerous balls into the box.

Ngele, who produced a brilliant performance on the night, drew the Zebras level in the 22nd-minute with a sweetly taken free-kick. The Zebras grabbed the lead six minutes later after a well-orchestrated passing move ended with Moyana swinging in a cross for the Zebras captain to plant a header into the net.

The hosts continued to dominate in terms of possession and scoring chances and Ngele drilled in the third goal with nine minutes remaining. The Zebras are through to the next stages of the qualifiers where they will meet Mali next month. 

In a post-match interview, Butler said they weregoing to do their homework in preparing for the Eagles of Mali. He said they will fight for good results. Mogorosi said winning back to back games was a boost for the team's confidence and as result they had raised the bar for themselves. Ends