Young Zebras coach promises improved performance after loss
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday May 23, 2014 15:12
Young Zebras lost 2-0 to Nigeria in their first game. 'I think some of the players lacked confidence, especially at the start of the match.
They improved as the game progressed. There was also lack of communication which led to the first goal but we have identified the mistakes and we will fix them before our next match,' Marape said in a post match interview.
The Young Zebras take on Tanzania this afternoon at the National Stadium. Marape said his players did well against a good team like Nigeria but were let down by a few costly mistakes. 'They are still young and we will get there,' he added. Nigerian forward, Nafizi Yahaya scored a goal in each half in the 2-0 win. He struck two minutes into the game, capitalising on a defensive error by the Young Zebras.
Goalkeeper, Aaron Dingalo and his defence failed to communicate allowing the Nigerian striker to pounce. Nigeria controlled the match in the first half with the Young Zebras creating very few scoring chances. Another defensive error nearly awarded Yahaya his second goal just before halftime but defender, Theo Motsepe covered well and made a decisive clearance.
Young Zebras' captain, Thabiso Bojosi had a torrid time trying to deal with Nigeria's nippy winger, Wale Alli. The skillful midfielder was a constant threat for the entire game. Nine minutes into the second half, Alli missed a sitter after being set up by Yahaya.
Moments later, Ahmad Gero's long range effort went narrowly wide as Nigeria continued the search for the second goal.
Yahaya completed his brace in the last minute of the game with a powerful header from a corner. Nigeria will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the next match.