Zebras favoured to clear Mambas hurdle

Mqondisi Dube | Thursday May 28, 2015 18:00

We meet again: Zebras skipper, Joel Mogorosi (right) battles with Mozambique's Salomao Modlane during the two countries's friendly match last last month. The two meet tonight in the semi finals of the COSAFA Cup

However, Peter Butler’s charges are immensely aware of the poisonous damage the Mambas can inflict on them.

The last memories are not pleasant after Mozambique claimed a late 2-1 victory over the Zebras in Lobatse last month.

But Butler would be pleased that the man who grabbed the last gasp winner, Elias Pelembe in the friendly encounter is not available for tonight’s semi-final tie.

The Zebras, conquerors of hosts, Bafana Bafana on Sunday go into the tie as favourites. Botswana is ranked above Mozambique and has almost a full strength squad with foreign-based players except for Mamelodi Sundowns bound, Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele.

On paper, the Zebras are overwhelming favourites to reach their first ever COSAFA Cup final. The squad has a blend of youth and experience.

Mozambique were second best against Malawi and only a fortuitous goal forced their quarter-final match into a penalty shoot-out.

However, this year’s edition has proved how underdogs have progressed, with all former winners of the cup dumped out.

If youngsters, Segolame Boy and Mpho Kgaswane fire in attacking midfield positions, then the Mambas’ venom might well be neutralised.

Kgaswane was particularly outstanding against Bafana Bafana while Boy was subdued.

The two teams have met thrice in the regional competition, with Mozambique registering two victories against the Zebras’ one.

Their last meeting in the COSAFA competition came in 2008 when Mozambique triumphed 2-0 in Secunda.

The winner of tonight’s match meets either Madagascar or Namibia in Saturday’s final.