28 Jul 2013

It seems the Zebras’ luck might be running out again during the African Championship Games (CHAN). They were held to a one goal draw by a 10-man Zambian national team, Chipolopolo, in an otherwise entertaining game in Molepolole on July 27.

This would be one of the games that captain, Mompati Thuma would want to quickly forget as fingers might point at him following a silly mistake that resulted with Festus Mbewe putting the visitors ahead in the second half. Before this, Thuma had enjoyed a good run as he marshaled the defence with authority.

However, instead of clearing the ball or taking it out for a free kick, he opted to pass it to goalkeeper, Michael Pepukane but Mbewe pounced on the baby kick to put his side ahead. A number of supporters however, seemed not to blame the coach, Stanley Tshosane for the draw while calling for a substitution for Thuma who donned the national colours for almost 10 years.

 On the other end, the Zebras had an opportunity as Zambian midfield maestro, Alex Nkonka was given marching orders early in the second half after he received two yellow cards. Referee Reynod Shikongo from Namibia had given Nkonka the first yellow card in first half following a foul on Edwin Olerile and in the second half, his foul on Bonolo Phuduhudu sent him for an early shower.

The red card opened doors for Zebras and saw Tshepo Motlhabankwe adding numbers up front. It was however, unfortunate as Chipolopolo were the first to score through Mbewe.

Striker Lemponye Tshireletso, although he scored an equalising goal for the Zebras from a free kick, had his fair share of disappointments as he missed two chances. In one incident, as the Zebras attacked from the right flank, he missed to finish a cross and Tebogo Sembowa too could not put it to use.

Tshireletso, whose move from BDF XI to Mochudi Centre Chiefs has raised eye brows, had another chance from a Motlhabankwe cross but headed over the bar.

Tshosane, perhaps following pressure from the COSAFA games, introduced Gift Moyo and Topo Piet for Phuduhudu and Jomo Moatlhaping respectively. The two players that were instrumental in Nico United’s second position in the 2012/13 be Mobile league did not disappoint while Pepukani was unfortunate to concede a goal via an error in his maiden appearance.

What was visible during the game was the absence of goal poacher Jerome Ramatlhakwane and since CHAN features only locally based players, the onus was on Sembowa and Tshireletso to fill the vacuum.

The Zebras are to play the return leg and can still progress to the next stage of the tournament even though the Zambians have an upper hand with an away goal. ENDS