Zebras Gunned Down In Angola
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 10, 2018 13:08
They are currently sitting at the bottom of Group I without a single point.
The Zebras kick-started their campaign with a loss against Mauritania who are now sitting at the top of the group with six points from two games. They are the only side now in the group without a point. Mauritania stretched their lead at the top with a win over Burkina Faso. Zebras will take another trip next month to face Burkina Faso who are now level on three points with Angola. Against Angola, Zebras were found wanting for most of the first half.
Angola showed their intentions as early as the first minute with their free flowing football. By the middle of the first half, Zebras goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe and his defence had made several saves with Angola asking too many questions.
With Gelson Dala giving them problems at the back, Zebras found themselves lucky early in the first half after referee failed to punish them for foul in the box. Dala squeezed his way into the box and appeared to have been fouled, but the referee did not call for a penalty.
Angola kept pushing forward and Dambe was forced to make a brilliant save before defender, Simisane Mathumo made another timely interception moments later. Zebras on the other hand had nothing to offer going forward as Angola had them pinned for most of the first half.
They were finally rewarded in the 30th minute when jersey 10 beat Thabang Mosige with skill before he curled the ball into the net. Zebras striker, Onkabetse Makgantai looked isolated in front with Lemponye Tshireletso and Kabelo Seakanyeng playing deep.
Coach, David Bright introduced Mosha Gaolaolwe at the start of the second half for ineffective Alphonse Modisaotsile and Zebras slowly got back into the game. However they were in many cases let down by the poor thinking upfront.
Their best chance came in the 77th minute when Makgantai’s header hit the cross bar before Angolan goalkeeper punched the ball for a corner kick.
Even with the introduction of Mogakolodi Ngele and Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Angola managed to hold on to emerge eventual victors.