10 Apr 2016

The senior women’s national team, the Zebras left for South Africa yesterday for the return leg to be played in Thembisa tomorrow.

The Zebras chances to qualify for the AFCON 2017 look slim after losing 2-0 against Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations played at Lobatse Sports Complex on Saturday. 

Sanah Mollo’s two quick away goals for Banyana Banyana have put the game far beyond reach for the Zebras given that it had always proved difficult to handle Banyana Banyana in their own turf.

It was evident in the first stanza that the Zebras came with one mission to finish with their opponents as they created a lot of scoring opportunities which they failed to convert.

Equally, Banyana Banyana had one on one chances, but Zebras goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija who was in an uncompromising mood managed to deal with the dangerous balls to deny them early goals which could have unsettled her team-mates.

The Zebras were convincing, especially in the defence department as they managed to deal with Banyana threats posed by Mollo, Mamello Makhabane and Leandra Smeda.

The game went to recess with score board reading 0-0, but immediately after half time, Zebras looked tired as they allowed Banyana to win all the balls. In the 65^th minute, the Zebras were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position, which was well taken by Kesegofetse Mochawe but went over the bar.

Two minutes later, Banyana launched good attack which the Zebras failed to defend and Mollo did not waste time but put it at the back of the net to make it 1-0.

While Batswana who came in convincing numbers at the stadium were still shocked, Mollo scored yet another goal in the 67^th minute to ensure that they went back home with two crucial away goals.

The Zebras made a forced substitution in the 78^th after Tlamelo Motlhale was injured and the coach introduced Balotlhanyi Johannes and three minutes later pulled Bame Ngenda out and replaced her with Golebaone Selebatso but the substitution did not change the complexion of the game.

After the game, the Zebras coach, Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang said they managed to fully execute their game plan in the first half, but Banyana were saved by their experience in the second half.

She said her players reduced pace in the second half and that gave South Africa more room to play long balls and counter her team.

She further said the team played well although they failed to communicate properly in the defence which ended up giving Banyana an opening goal.

Banyana coach, Vera Pauw said the game was tough and they were aware that Botswana had been preparing well for the game.

“Congratulations to Botswana they get stronger and stronger and the day that they are going to win against us is getting closer,” Pauw said. Ends