Zebras advance as Eritrea withdraws
Mqondisi Dube - Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday March 5, 2022 06:00
Botswana under caretaker coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote was due to play football’s lowest ranked country at the end of March over two legs. The Zebras found themselves involved in preliminary round ties as they are among the 12 lowest ranked teams on the continent. But now the Zebras have been spared the blushes after Eritrea withdrew yesterday (Thursday). "This herein serves as official confirmation that the senior national men's team, the Zebras, have advanced to the next round of the qualifiers after their Africa Cup of Nations 20223 preliminary round opponents, Eritrea withdrew," the Botswana Football Association said in a statement.
The BFA had already called players into camp to prepare for the tie. Mpote had announced a squad that has some surprise omissions. Mpote has left out Township Rollers goalkeeper and former Zebras number one, Kabelo Dambe from the 31 men preliminary squad. Dambe was very vocal last year about the welfare of national team players and vowed not to return to the squad until the situation changes. The shot stopper has, however, been one of the stand out glovesmen this campaign as he sits second behind Gaborone United (GU) goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko, in terms of clean sheets. Jwaneng Galaxy's Thabang Sesinyi also missed the cut.
The striker had a slow start to the season but has since found his scoring boots as he leads the Premier League scoring chart with 14 goals but his return to the national team setup since 2019 remains on hold.
Gaborone United's Mpho Kgaswane is also not in the list despite having picked form since the start of the year after enduring a difficult first round due to injuries. Mpote handed first call-ups to some inform players in the local league.
The Premier League's assist king, Obonwe Maome has made the cut for the first time. Sua Flamingoes' young goalkeeper, Kenneth Mmoko alongside his teammate, Ronald Ngwako, are also in the team.
Extension Gunners' breakthrough star, Kabelo Babusi is also in the squad after scoring 13 league goals in his debut season. Phenyo Serameng, who has been a marvel to watch in the Township Rollers midfield, also earned his first Zebras' call-up while Police XI's Pako Gaofose makes a return for the first time since 2017. The foreign based contingent of Morocco based Tumisang Orebonye, Kabelo Seakanyeng and Mothusi Cooper, together with Mogakolodi Ngele and skipper Thatayaone Ditlhokwe who ply their trade in South Africa were also called up.