Botswana Maintains Poor Form At COSAFA Youth Champs
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 12, 2016 15:52
The goal came through the crafty foot of Tseliso Botsane who came as a second half substitute.
Lesotho came into the match on the back of an embarrassing 8-0 defeat to South Africa. Botswana on the other hand lost 2-0 to Swaziland. Lesotho were the first to have a clear chance at goal in the 12th minute, but Thatayaone Ditlhokwe cleared the danger to deny Thabang Malane. Lesotho came back again moments later when Moalosi Mosoeu took a long range shot but Tumisang Selolwane managed to make a save.
The Young Zebras were not showing aggression in all departments and easily lost possession. Gape Mohutsiwa nearly made an own goal while trying to clear the danger. The ball however went over the bar. Botswana’s first attempt at goal came in the 23rd minute with Ditlhokwe’s header hitting the woodwork. Thato Kebue made a good run from the middle of the park and took a brilliant shot outside the box only to miss the target by whisker in the 35th minute. There was a nice move by Mothusi Cooper, passing to Tiroyaone Maome who released Kitso Mangole but he failed to hit the target. Lesotho made changes at the start of the second half with Botsane coming in for Bakuena Mothotjela. Botswana’s goal stopper, Selolwane was punished for taking a goal kick outside the box, resulting in a dangerous set piece in the 65th minute.
Speaking to Monitor Sport after the match, Botswana coach George Mogopodi said they had a good first half and thought the same thing would continue after the break. He said it became hard when the midfield was not functioning.
“Lesotho had an advantage over us. When your midfield is not working there is nothing you can do. We cracked and gave away an easy goal due to a mistake,” he said. Mogopodi said it was clear that development of players in Lesotho and Swaziland was good.
He said even when Lesotho lost to South Africa they played good football.
Lesotho tactician, Motlalepula Majoro said his chargers had put good effort into their game when compared to their first match of the competition. He said they played well the entire match.
“We took the game to our opponents from the beginning. We needed to win this match. We put them under pressure, forcing them to forget their game plan,” he said.
The line-ups:
Lesotho: Jessy Matsie, Itumeleng Leche, Thabo Mphosi, Mohai Mohai, Mokhothu Selikoe, Rethabile Mokokoane, Rethabile Mokokoane, Bakuena Mothotjela (Botsane 47), Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Bonang Mohapi.
Botswana: Selolwane, Goitseone Legopelo, Ditlhokwe, Kebue, Mohutsiwa, Michael Tinye, Leago Maswena, Thato Mogorosi (Tshepho Malgas 82), Aobakwe Tshobo, Ronaldo Fortune, Maome.