Historic Victory Amplifies Zebras� Progress
Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 16, 2015 14:35
The Zebras were heading into the weekend match with a very dismal record against Mali having lost in all three fixtures the two teams had played. But spurred on by more than 26,000 spectators, the Zebras deliverd victory.
The Zebras were strong in all departments. Boitumelo Mafoko coordinated the defence very well though there were three instances of poor communication between him and the goalie, Kabelo Dambe.
Deployed as man markers, Mosha Gaolaolwe and Tebogo Sosome with their solid display proved why Butler has persisted with them. Gaolaolwe silenced dangerous right-winger, Bakary Sako though the latter did throw in a few telling crosses. However, poor marking in the 56th minute gifted Mali what could turn out to be a decisive goal on Tuesday.
Gilport Lions midfielder, Lebogang Ditsile once again maintained his dominance. Ditsile linked the midfield and defence very well. He complemented his holding midfield partner Ofentse Nato very well. Both Nato and Ditsile physically matched their strongly built Malian counterparts. In the wings, Butler deployed Tapiwa Gadibolae and Kabelo Seakanyeng.They did well to provide cover for Sosome and Gaolaolwe. Despite not being a regular, Gadibolae fitted like a glove in Butler’s jigsaw. The Police XI player defended well and his timely runs, when going forward, were superb. He capped his fine display with a goal in the 13th minute.
Upfront, the Zebras played with Joel Mogorosi and Hendrick Moyo with Mogakolodi Ngele playing just behind them. It was a well thought strike force. Ngele is a good creator; Mogorosi has the experience and the composure while Moyo, though he was a bit down, kept the defence on its toes with his athleticism.
Match’s key moments
Zebras goals: In the 13th minute, Ngele laid the ball to Seakanyeng down the left and the latter knitted a perfect cross, which was slotted home by Gadibolae with a timely header. With 23 minutes into play, Zebras were already two goals up against their much-fancied opponents. Mogorosi slotted home the second goal. He hit a U-turn in the box and fired a low shot into the bottom right corner after connecting with Seakanyeng’s free kick. Ngele coming off age: Ngele has often been accused of fizzling out on the big stage, but after a virtuoso performance against Burkina Faso the Mamelodi Sundowns player once again showed class on Saturday. His vision and sleek touches on the ball gave the visitors a torrid time. Just like against Burkina Faso a few weeks ago, Ngele’s skillfulness made him a victim of brutal tackles from the visitors. Midfielder, Sylla Yacouba constantly brought him down. Talking Point: Comoros referee Ali Adelaid could have given Botswana a clear penalty when a slithery Seakanyeng was squeezed down in the box by two defenders in the 61st minute. Adelaid turned a blind eye much to the disapproval of the supporters.
First Save: Zebras made their intensions to attack as early as the fourth minute when Ngele unleashed a powerful shot which was parried away by goalie Oumar Sissoko. Man of the Match: Most of the Zebras players were superb on Saturday, but Ditsile was a cut above the rest. The Gilport Lions midfielder on many occasions intercepted play from the Malians.
Ditsile also cemented his status as one of the best ball distributors in the country. He was not shy to get involved in tackles and did so cleanly.