Matlhaku raises age-cheating claims after loss
Thato Kala | Thursday July 24, 2014 11:50
The Zambians hosted and won the first leg of the qualifiers 1-0 on Sunday but Matlhaku said most of the players were not eligible to play. However, he was quick to point out that his charges will overturn the deficit.
'We were playing big men. Clearly, we were playing over-aged players, but we will not lodge an official complaint because it will come out in the end. I know where it will come out from,' he said mysteriously.
'I have worked with development sides for a long time and Zambian players' body frames are the same as Botswana players. When I looked at them, I could tell they were not the right age. Fifty percent of the team is over-aged, but that is not an excuse.'
The former Under-20 coach is confident Botswana will progress when they host the Junior Chipolopolo next weekend.
'Our boys fought, we had hoped to at least not concede. They managed to get a goal in 90 minutes. We can score two goals in 90 minutes as well,' he said.
His Zambia counterpart, Chris Kaunda dismissed the age-cheating allegations when speaking to his country's media.
'I am not a doctor, but 10 players failed to make this team (because of age) and we had to bring in new players. Most of these players are playing international football for the first time so whoever is saying that (age-cheating) is wrong,' he said.
Reports from Lusaka say the two sides played to a goalless first half that saw Botswana staying back and only shooting once at goal while Kaunda's charges took turns to waste chances.
Zambia's breakthrough came in the 53rd minute through Enock Mwepu.