24 Mar 2019

The senior national soccer team on March 22  were brushed aside by the Palancas Negras of Angola 1-0 at the Francistown Sports Complex in a mouth-watering TOTAL 2019 AFCON last qualifier match.

The win ensured Angola became the 15th overall country to book a space at the African soccer showpiece to be held in Egypt between May and June.

Burkina Faso had a lot of interest in the Friday game as it stood between them and their 12th AFCON qualifications appearance.

On the same day, they took on Mauritania where they won 1-0, but it was not enough for the Stallions to qualify. They had to defeat Mauritania who had already qualified, and hope that the already eliminated Botswana would defeat Angola to see the Burkinabe seal their place at Egypt 2019.

The visitors went into the game pegged at second place behind Mauritania while Burkina Faso was on position three.  Angola only had to win against Botswana to ensure they booked a ticket to Egypt.

Despite the throngs of Zebras supporters who came to the match, the Angolans were a better side in the first half in terms of speed and strength.

Botswana was exposed at the back and upfront in the first 15 minutes as they could not keep the ball.

With a somehow disorganised defence made up of the likes of Thato Kebue and Fortune Thularo, they were punished in the 20th minute when Portugal based Angolan star, Eduardo Wilson scored a goal for his side to put the score at 1-0.

Wilson, together with his team captain, Djalma Campos kept leading the attack against the hosts but were often unsuccessful.

Despite the second half starting 10 minutes late due to a power cut, the Zebras came out a better side in the second half.

They pushed forward for an equaliser and made many impressive runs for a team that was made up largely of inexperienced youngsters many of whom made their debut. Thero Setsile had a good game as he managed to link well with captain, Joel Mogorosi to ensure the Angolan defence was kept on their toes.

However their many attempts were unsuccessful or were easily thwarted by the impressive goalkeeping display of Adao Cabaca.

Despite having a good competitive game, the Mogomotsi Mpote led charges could not secure a draw. He later admitted that the 10 minutes of the first segment of the game was difficult for the boys to control the game.

“They invited the visitors to attack them even though we also had the opportunity to attack them especially in the second half of the game,” he added.

Mpote is optimistic that with the current squad which comprises senior players, the team would do well in future.

The Zebras and Palancas Negras have met 13 times since their first encounter in 1984. The Angolans have seven victories, four draws and two defeats.

The game was important for the Mpote led side to win because it would have helped Zebras in their FIFA rankings and the upcoming CHAN qualifications.

The Zebras might face Angola again soon in the CHAN games if they eliminate Seychelles in the first round of the CHAN qualifying games. ENDS