Uphill task for Young Zebras
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday September 27, 2022 11:56
The Young Zebras suffered defeat on Friday in the first leg of the encounter played at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Eswatini. The games are also used as a platform to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The team arrived back in the country on Saturday to prepare for the second leg scheduled to take place at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium tomorrow. Early goals in each of the two halves confirmed a defeat for the team’s return to competitive football. Reacting to the defeat, head coach Kaelo ‘Wire’ Kaelo said the team needs to guard against conceding in the second leg.
He also said the team had a mountain to climb in Eswatini after conceding early into the tie. “We lost it at a very critical moment because we conceded just before half time and it was bad for us because our plan was to ensure that we close shop as long as we can but we found ourselves chasing. Immediately after recess, we conceded again but it was a tough game for us.
I think our boys tried to move the ball forward a bit quicker. We were made to chase the game even more as we tried to get back on track and at least get a goal, which did not work out,” Kaelo said. BDF XI’s marksman led the attacking line as Tebogo Kopelang captained the team from the centre back role.
Serbian based goalkeeper Jovan Kikolic made his Botswana debut as Tawana Mbakile of Security Systems started in the centre of the midfield. The winner of the two legged tie will face Egypt in the second round of qualifiers.
Ahead of the trip to Eswatini, the head coach made it clear that he has been given the mandate to lead the team to Paris Olympics. Despite losing 2-0 in the first leg, Kaelo is optimistic that with the support of the home supporters in Francistown, they can still overturn the score line against the regional opponents.