27 May 2018

Botswana clashes with Angola today (May 28) in the COSAFA Cup Group B match at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa at 5pm.

The Zebras, who are under the guidance of Major David Bright, will be looking to redeem themselves in the tournament after failing to impress last year.

Botswana suffered a comprehensive 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their opening match, and were also beaten 2-0 by South Africa in the plate semi-final in last year’s competition.

After the second match, caretaker coach, Oris Radipotsane, infamously accused the opponents of playing ‘dirty’ football.

Today’s encounter will be the third time that the Zebras and the Palancas Negras (Sable Antelopes) meet in the regional football competition.

Their two previous meetings ended in stalemate after regulation time with each country going on to claim a penalty shootout triumph once.

They first met in the quarterfinal stage of the 2004 tournament, which finished 1-1 at fulltime after Tshepo Motlhabankwe levelled matters for Botswana to cancel out Flavio Amado’s early strike in Luanda.

Angola went on to seal a 5-3 victory via penalty shootout.

The two teams were reacquainted in Group C final encounter of the 2007 tournament in Gaborone, which finished 0-0 after regulation time.

The then goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo stopped three kicks in the shootout to guide the Zebras to a 3-1 penalty shootout victory.

After their encounter with Angola, the Zebras will take on Malawi in another Group B match on Wednesday (May 30) evening at Seshego Stadium. The match will kick off at 7:30 pm.

Major Bright’s troop will then wrap up its Group B assignment with an encounter against Mauritius on Friday (June 1) at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Major Bright might opt for offensive football in the tournament after selecting an array of attacking players.

They include Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Tumisang Orebonye who forged a fearsome attack for Gaborone United (GU) in the BTC Premiership.

Kgamanyane went on to win the Golden Boot after scoring 20 league goals.

Orapa United striker Onkabetse Makgantai and speedy winger Kobamelo Kebaikanye, GU winger Kabelo Seakanyeng, Jwaneng Galaxy winger Gilbert Baruti and Uniao Flamengo Santos captain Eric Molefi would also offer more attacking options.

The team will be captained by GU anchorman, Alphonse Modisaotsile.

The team also comprises Mwampule Masule (Township Rollers), Goitseone Phoko (GU), Bophelo Kealeboga (Miscellaneous), Lesenya Ramoraka (Orapa United), Tshepo Maikano (GU), Lesego Keredilwe (Miscellaneous), Thato Kebue (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (GU), Katlego Masole (Police XI), Gape Mohutsiwa (Rollers), Karabo Phiri (GU) and Godiraone Modingwane (Security Systems). ENDS