Zebras dim Taifa Stars

Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday July 2, 2014 06:59

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars were quick off the blocks and their relentless pressure produced a goal in the 27th minute. Winger Khamis Khamis was perfectly placed to flick home after a throw in deep in the Zebras zone.  The visitors continued to pepper Kabelo Dambe’s goal but with no reward.

In the 37th minute the sparse crowd got a snap preview of what was to follow when midfielder, Thato Ogopotse spooned his effort over from hardly three metres out after some good work.

Two minutes later the home side crafted the perfect response when the recalled Jerome Ramatlhakwana flashed the ball home from an inch perfect Otlaantshekela Mooketsi cross.

The Zebras finished the half on the ascendancy and it did not take long for Butler’s men to grab the lead in the second half. Lemponye Tshireletso drove the ball home in the 47th minute despite Tanzania’s desperate effort to keep the ball out.

The Zebras, although not entirely fluid, launched stinging attacks on a faltering Tanzania and it came as no surprise when Bonolo Phuduhudu headed home to make it 3-1 after 55minutes.

With the momentum, the Zebras pressed the accelerator further despite a host of substitutions Butler made at the interval.

Substitute Karabo Phiri, who replaced Jackie Mothatego made the victory emphatic when he pushed the ball past Deoratius Munish, in goal for Tanzania.

When Butler was certain it was done and dusted, he withdrew Tshireletso for crowd favourite, Sekhana Koko in the 73rd minute.

Tanzania were awarded a late penalty after Haryna Chanongo was pulled down and John Bocco dispatched the kick to take some gloss off the Zebras score line.

Butler, who has not hesitated to shuffle his cards since his appointment, was content with the outing. The Zebras are preparing for Guinea Bissau on July 19, while Taifa Stars face Mozambique in AFCON qualifiers. 

“It was a good game against a difficult team. We conceded a soft goal, but overall we controlled the game well. There were a lot of positives,” he said.

He was impressed with veteran striker, Ramatlhakwana.

“I think he led the line well. The youngsters played well too, you can see competition for places is stiff. I expect a few friendly matches (before the Bissau game),” Butler said.

Zebras line-up:

• Kabelo Dambe
• Obonye Moswate
• Otlaantshekela Mooketsi (Edwin Olerile 45th min)
• Boitumelo Mafoko
• Obuile Ncenga (Leutlwetse Tshireletso 45th)
• Bonolo Phuduhudu
• Thato Ogopotse
• Jackie Mothatego (Karabo Phiri 45th)
• Jerome Ramatlhakwane (Onalethata Tshekiso 69th )
• Galabgwe Moyana (Kabelo Seakanyeng 45th)
• Lemponye Tshireletso (Sekhana Koko 73rd)