Young Zebras have a mountain to climb against Lesotho
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday December 9, 2016 14:55
The Botswana team lost 2-0 in their first match against the marauding Swaziland on Wednesday.
Young Zebras were outplayed by Swaziland and showed no signs of scoring.
The coach, George Mogopodi is probably having sleepless nights after watching Lesotho give South Africa a run for their money in their opener. Botswana has a slim chance of progressing to the next stage because only one team from each group books themselves a place in the next stage. Despite losing 8-0 to South Africa, Lesotho showed character. They were unlucky in front of goal and are most likely to correct that when they take on Botswana tomorrow.
The result between South Africa and Lesotho is a nightmare for Young Zebras who take on South Africa on Tuesday morning. Young Zebras have a lot of work to do in the remaining hours to try and sort out their goal scoring problems. Mogopodi told Mmegi Sport that they lacked mobility in the centre. “We were not mobile in the middle and it limited our movements forward. We tried to address the players during half time and advised them to stick to their positions hence we were better in the second half,” he said. Mogopodi attributed the loss against Swaziland to lack of international friendly games. He stated that when going for an international competition, the team has to prepare at that level. Mogopodi said lack of practice matches contributed to players having stage fright.
Before the tournament, Mogopodi had told this publication in Gaborone that the team went into camp late and explained that if things were done properly, the team should have had two camps before the final camp.
He said the main challenge was that the players were students and were busy with their school examinations. Mogopodi said most of the players were not getting enough game time at their respective BTC Premiership League clubs.
The coach is expected to come into the match against Lesotho with a new formation.