Zebras look for dignified AFCON exit

Chakalisa Dube | Friday March 22, 2019 12:35

The game is also an opportunity for the youngsters to get a feel of the national team set up and lay a new foundation for the future Zebras.

But Angola has a lot to play for. The visitors who are on nine points in Group I need victory to secure qualification to the finals, which Egypt hosts in June and July.

Mauritania who have already secured qualification are away to the Stallions of Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso also on seven points, will qualify with a win, if Angola falters against the Zebras.Veteran marksman, Joel Mogorosi who is also the captain, will lead a youthful Zebras that has many uncapped players but have previously done duty for junior national teams.

Age may not be on his side, but Mogorosi has been a vital figure for the national team in the past, scoring vital goals. The 34-year old has arguably been one of the best performers in the national team in recent years.

The BTC Premiership top-goal scorer, who was drafted into the national team following the withdrawal of Orapa United forward, Omaatla Kebatho has shown maturity on the pitch, which may come handy tonight.

Baroka forward, Onkabetse Mankgantai is one player who might prove to be vital for the Zebras but his undoing is that he has not seen much action at his club. However, he has in the past showed class and character within the national team even when he had little club football.

Thato Kebue and Highlands Park’s Lesenya Ramoraka who have little exposure in international football might lead from the back. It still remains unclear as to who will get the nod from the goalkeeping department.

Keagile Kgosipula and Jwaneng Galaxy’s Ezekiel Morake are on par in terms of quality. However, the Morake may get the nod on account of his recent form especially in the Mascom Top 8 where his team triumphed.  

Meanwhile, Angola touched down in Francistown on Wednesday night and had their first training session on Thursday morning. The Palancas Negras boast several players who ply their trade in Europe, which is why they cannot be underestimated.

Highly-rated forward Gelson Dala is expected to lead the attack for Srdjan Vasiljvic side. The 22-year-old who plays in the Portuguese Primeira Liga recently returned from injury.

He is Angola’s top second goal scorer in the qualifiers with four goals. Dala scored in the first leg when Angola defeated the Zebras by a solitary goal last September.