Young Zebras Knocked Out
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday April 25, 2016 14:12
The young Zebras suffered a 2-1 aggregate defeated following their 1-0 win away in Zimbabwe a fortnight ago.
The Young Warriors got an early goal in the first minute when Bukhosi Sibanda rose highest to head home a cross from Peace Makaha. The local boys’ defence looked shaky in the first 10 minutes, but keeper Tumisang Selolwane dealt with everything thrown at him.
The visitors nearly doubled their lead after 22 minutes following a quick counter attack. Makaha laid a low cross for Thomas Kadyaridzire whose shot was matched by a save from Selolwane.
Makaha doubled the visitors’ lead in the first half additional time. The attacker unleashed a low shot from outside the box beating Selolwane at the far post to effectively dump out the Young Zebras. Zebras’ coach, Philemon Makhwengwe made two quick changes at the start of the second half, with Kitso Mangolo and Dirang Kgosiyatama replacing Aobakwe Tshobo and Alford Velaphi respectively.
The changes sparked life into the local team’s attack but they could not break through the opponent’s defence. Mangolo played a quick one-two with Ronaldo Fortune but his long range shot did not trouble the keeper. Young Warriors were reduced to 10 men after Makaha was shown a second yellow after for a rough tackle on Mothusi Cooper with two minutes to time. Makhwengwe bemoaned defensive errors but applauded his players for their efforts.
“Our boys put up a good fight. but we gave it away in the midfield. We knew they were to pump the balls to us, so we wanted to wait for them then attack,” he said.
His opposite number, Jairos Tapera said his team played according to instructions despite having off field issues before the game. “We only trained for two days so fatigue was catching up with us during the second half. We could have scored more goals, but I’m happy with the performance,” he said.
Botswana: Tumisang Selolwane, Gape Mohutsiwa, Goitseone Legopelo, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Alford Velaphi (Dirang Kgosiyatama), Ndzibi Bale, Mothusi Cooper, Theo Motsepe, Aobakwe Tshobo (Kitso Mangolo), Ronaldo Fortune, Tiroyaone Maome (Michael Tinye)
Zimbabwe: Chadya Nelson, Bukhosi Sibanda (Blessing Nyamazhiwa), Bukhosi Ncube, Matthias Chodewa, Thomas Kadyaridzire, Jerry Chipangura (Amos Ncube), Blessing Sibanda, Derwin Phiri, Peace Makaha, Patrick Musaka
Caution: Cooper, Tshobo
Dismissal: Makaha