Zebras through to COSAFA quarterfinals
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday July 11, 2022 16:00
The win took the Zebras to the quarterfinal stage after finishing top of their group with nine points from three games.
The youthful side under the tutelage of interim coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote needed a win in the last match against Angola to progress to the next stage.
Both sides went into the match tied at six points each.
However, Angola had a slight advantage because of their superior goal difference and needed only a draw against the Zebras to join other regional heavy weights in the last eight stage.
Both sides had their fair chances in the first half although they failed to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes. Mothusi Cooper and Lebogang Ditsele once again combined well in the midfield not to allow Angola to dictate terms while Phoko on the other hand also showed his experience between the posts.
A good cross in the box for the Zebras on the right gave Angolan defence problems and their captain was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box when he tried to make a clearance.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Phoko came all the way from the other end of the pitch to give the Zebras a goal with a well-taken strike. Gaborone United (GU) young midfielder, Gape Thibedi was named the man of the match. The Zebras will now face Zambia in the last eight stage.