Ethiopia sour Independence party

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 2, 2015 18:00

Frustration written all over: Zebras captain, Joel Mogorosi (left) scored a brace but missed a penalty while goalkeeper Mwapule Masule (right) had a forgettable afternoon. PIC: TSELE TSEBETSAME

Goals from Berzket Nisitak, Benyom Belay and Qutzneit Testoge gave the Walias the victory while Joel Mogorosi scored a consolation brace for the host.

The Zebras defence was caught napping in the sixth minute when a quick one-two between Nisitak and Testoge released the former who slotted past Mwampule Masule for the visitors’ lead.

The Zebras committed a foul outside the box and Segoum Testoge planted beyond a motionless Masule. The Zebras were forced to make substitutions mid way through the first half due to injuries. Lemponye Tshireletso and Joel Mogorosi replaced Kabelo Seakanyeng and Tapiwa Gadibolae respectively. The move had an immediate impact as Tshireletso received a long ball from Letlhogonolo Senwelo in the box. And beat two defenders before laying the ball to Mogorosi. The latter easily slotted the ball into the back of the net to reduce the deficit.

The visitors increased the lead with only two minutes into the second half though Benyom Belays header from a corner kick. Mogorosi ensured a close finish when he rose high to head home Tshireletso’s free kick in the 67th minute. Masule then saved the Zebras on two occasions, thwarting Joseph Joseph before smothering Nisitak’s low drive. The Zebras were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute but Mogorosi failed to level the matters as he ballooned the ball over the bar.

Zebras coach, Peter Butler expressed satisfaction with the performance of new faces in the team.

“Injuries affected our game plan as we had to change the whole system and today was really all about giving players who are performing for their respective clubs week in week out, a chance.

I gave Masule chance I believe he must be disappointed with himself,” he said. Butler felt they should have won the game. This is the first time the Zebras have lost an Independence Day friendly since the National Stadium reopened in 2013.