02 Oct 2018

The Zebras gave the nation something to smile about after beating Namibia 1-0 during an Independence Day friendly encounter played at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Tumisang Orebonye scored the winner from the hosts’ first attempt on target in the fifth minute when he punished sloppy Namibian defending by heading home Segolame Boy’s well taken free-kick.

Buoyed by the early lead, coach David Bright’s men took control of the proceedings afterwards, with the recalled Keagile Kobe, Boy and Orebonye looking lively upfront.

Kobe and Orebonye nearly doubled the lead midway through the first half but were denied by goalkeeper Ratanda Mbazuvara, while Lebogang Ditsele fired wide from a promising position after good inter-change of passes midfield. 

However, the Brave Warriors came close to equalising through former Mochudi Centre Chiefs attacking midfielder Absalom Limbondi and Dynamo Fredericks but goalkeeper Keeagile Kgosipula denied them with good saves.

Motsholetsi Sikele, who was having a quiet game on the right wing was replaced by Sharps Shooting Stars winger Tshepo Malgas in the 38^th minute, which was Malgas’ first cap at senior international level.

The complexion of the match changed completely in the second half with the Brave Warriors putting the hosts under pressure. However, they wasted good scoring opportunities through Fredericks, Limbondi, Martin Emilio and substitute Muna Kaputose, while Kgosipula pulled off a good save from Sadney Uri-Khob and dived sharply to prevent Onkabetse Seforo’s ill-judged back pass from trickling into the net.

The Zebras finished the match with 10 men after Ditsele was sent off with 15 minutes remaining after picking a second booking for elbowing Fredericks.

Seforo, who was making his first appearance in the Zebras colours after more than a year, showed good understanding with captain Simisane Mathumo in central defence.

However, the central midfield pairing of Mosha Gaolaolwe and Ditsele failed to click and lost possession easily which contributed to the Zebras struggles in the second half.

The introduction of Thero Setsile for Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Karabo Phiri for Boy and Omaatla Kebatho for the injured Orebonye also failed to change the momentum in favour of the home team. ENDS