02 Oct 2016

The senior national football team, the Zebras, rose to the occasion on Independence Day to register a rare victory over Angola.

The game, which was played at the National Stadium in Gaborone as part of the 50th year anniversary, ended 3-0 in favour of the Zebras following a penalty shootout.

The teams were tied 1-1 at full time.

The visitors had come back into the game following Joel Mogorosi’s mistake that melted away Zebras’ one goal lead that came via Thabang Sesinyi on the 30th minute.

Mogorosi intercepted a pass by the centre line and played a long back pass to Kabelo Dambe in the goal posts. 

Angola’s centre forward Hercanio Paizinho intercepted the pass and picked it before he rounded off Dambe to slot home.

Mogorosi was not allowed to rectify his mistake since he was quickly replaced by Hendrick Moyo.

Dambe saved the day for the team after he stopped three spot kicks from the Angolans to keep the nation happy.

However, both teams lacked the sting throughout the game and the game failed to live up to the expectations.

Zebras coach, Peter Butler attributed lack of energy to the fact that the local premier league had been inactive for a long time.

He said players looked rusty while the Angolans demonstrated that their competitive league was on.

Butler talked of the need for football authorities to ensure that the team took advantage of FIFA dates.

He said they received invitations from two African countries for the scheduled international dates which he said were important since the team was no longer in the running for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

Angola coach, Jose Kilamba praised his players for a good effort, saying the fact that the game ended all square in regulation time was prove that it could have gone either way.

He said Botswana had strong players who were quick with the ball more especially in the midfield to the goal posts. Ends