Zebras ladies concede an away goal
Spira Tlhankane | Monday March 23, 2015 14:23
Despite the much-improved performance from the locals compared to the previous matches between the two sides, Sanah Mollo effort was enough to sink the Zebras.
The loss now leaves the female Zebras with a mountain to climb away from home when they meet their South African counterparts next month. The game started on a high note with Banyana Banyana launching a series of counter attacks as an effort to get an early goal. The Zebras were too careful at the back as they did want to let the visitors steal spotlight on their home ground.
The first chance of the game came in the 28th minute and Banyana Banyana striker, Mollo broke the deadlock and silenced the local crowd with an astonishing finish from Leandra Smeda’s long pass. Botswana’s goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija attempted to make a save, but her fingertips were not enough to parry the ball over the crossbar.
After the goal, Banyana Banyana gained confidence with Portia Modise, who was silent on the day, tried to score with a long range but her effort went over the crossbar. The game went to the break with the visitors still leading by a solitary goal.
The pattern of play changed after the interval with the hosts now showing control, pressing and probing for openings against an organised Banyana Banyana side.
The South African goalkeeper, Roxanne Barker was kept busy and her first major test after the break came when Kesegofetse Mochawe took a long-range shot, but the goalkeeper managed to hold on to it. With much support behind them, Zebras were strongly looking for an equaliser to change the aspect of the game.
For the hosts, the game was already heading to a different direction and substitute Refilwe Matlho did not waste no time and attempted a long range shot, but Barker was alert and managed to make a save.
The locals continued to push forward in search of an equaliser and they could have been rewarded on the hour mark when Refilwe Tholakele hit a powerful shot from outside the goal area, but the crossbar denied her.
In a post match interview, Zebras’ coach Galethoo Nkutlwisang said she believed they could reverse the score line in the return leg. “We just need a few friendly games in order to keep the team together ahead of the away encounter in South Africa,” said Nkutlwisang.
Banyana Banyana head coach, Vera Pauw said she was impressed by the improvement shown by the locals in the game. Going forward, she said the team would not try to defend the lead but rather snatch few more goals to solidify their place.
The line-ups:
Botswana: Sedilame Bosija, Bonang Otlhagile, Kgomotso Molefe, Boitumelo Gammu, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Thuto Ramafifi, Thuso Lesaane (Amogelang Moahi), Tlamelo Motlhale, Refilwe Tholakele, Lebogang Setereke, Golebaone Selebatso
South Africa: Roxanne Barker, Nothando Vilakazi, Noko Matlou, Janine van Wyk, Amanda Dlamini, Jermaine Seopesenwe (Shiwe Nongwanya), Portia Modise, Sanah Mollo (Silindile Ncubane), Refiloe Jane, Leandra Smeda, Nompumelelo Nyandeni
Cautions: Refiloe Jane, Refilwe Tholakele
Zebras 0
Banyana Banyana 1
(Sanah Mollo 28th)