National Teams Attract Mixed Fortunes
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday August 5, 2019 13:59
Following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Zambia a fortnight ago in Francistown, the Zebras traveled to Zambia with the hope of getting the goals and progress to the next stage of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Despite taking an early lead through Omaatla Kebatho, Zebras allowed Zambia to get an equaliser moments later.
Attacking midfielder, Segolame Boy later gave Zebras the lead before Zambia equalised and scored the winner late in the match. The Zebras were forced to use goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela following the withdrawal of first choice goalkeeper, Keeagile Kgosipula who reportedly absconded from camp last week. Zebras have never qualified for CHAN since its inception.
They will now prepare for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where they have been pitted against Algeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia in the group. They will also face Malawi in the preliminary qualifiers for the World Cup. The national Under-20 women’s side yesterday also suffered a 4-1 defeat to Zambia in the COSAFA Under-20 championships.
However, their elder sister are currently hoisting the nation’s flag high in Port Elizabeth. The senior national women’s side on Saturday afternoon brushed past Mauritius with an easy 3-0 win in the COSAFA Cup. It was their second victory at the competition after beating Namibia 1-0 in their COSAFA Women’s Cup opener.