Zebras out of CHAN qualifiers
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday July 6, 2015 18:02
The two sides had played to a 0-0 draw in Lesotho two weeks ago. Knowing very well that the Zebras were playing in front of their supporters at the National Stadium, Lesotho played a cautious game in the first half. There were no surprises in the Zebras starting 11 with Goitseone Phoko again starting at goal posts ahead of Mwampule Masule. Tebogo Sosome and Mosha Gaolaolwe partnered in the central defence while Omaatla Kebatho remained the target man.
From the onset, Zebras were on attacking mode especially on the wings where Kabelo Seakanyeng and Mpho Kgaswane were operating. Kgaswane in particular troubled the Lesotho defence every time he got the ball. In the middle of the first half, Seakanyeng delivered a dangerous hard and low cross and Lesotho defence failed to clear. Segolame Boy realising the opportunity rushed towards the goal line, but missed the ball much to the relief of Lesotho bench. Kebatho also had a chance but Lesotho defence was quick to close him before he could take a shot.
In the second half, Zebras raised the tempo and looked dangerous going forward. They launched an attack, which ended up with a goalmouth scramble before Lesotho cleared off the lines. However, the ball met Hendrick Moyo who took a long shot at goal and Lesotho goalkeeper, Mohau Kuemane parried the ball out of danger. Zebras continued to press Lesotho in their own half in search of a goal, but were at times let down by their final decision. Kebatho received the ball and beat the advancing goalkeeper, but a defender closed him up before he could slot the ball into an empty net.
With the Zebras now piling more pressure, Lesotho took advantage of the gaps at the back and launched a counter attack. Substitute, Thabiso Brown took advantage of the concentration lapse at the back and slotted past Phoko to put Lesotho in front with just under 10 minutes remaining. Kgaswane equalised with three left before time with a powerful header, but it was not enough to take the Zebras to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Zebras 1 (Mpho Kgaswane 87th)
Lesotho 1 (Thabiso Brown 81st)
The line-ups:
Zebras: Phoko, Tebogo Sosome, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Obonye Moswate, Kabelo Sekanyeng, Segolame Boy, Omaatla Kebatho, Edwin Olerile (Katlego Koobake 44th), Ofebtse Nato, Mpho Kgaswane, Hendrick Moyo
Lesotho: Mohau Kuemane, Nkali Lerotholi, Thabiso Mohapi, Jeremea Kamela, Thapelo Mokhehle, Bokang Mothoana, Hlompho Kalake, Ralekoti Mokhahlane (Litsepe Marabe), Thapelo Tale (Thabiso Brown, Masoabi Nkoto, Jane Thabantso (Motiki Mohale)
Cautions: Nato, Moyo, Koobake, Nkoto, Mokhahlane