Plate final scant consolation for gallant Zebras

Staff Writer | Wednesday June 6, 2018 11:19

Zebras

The team arrived in Polokwane as dark horses and were not favored to emerge from a group that had Angola, Malawi and Mauritius.

But David Bright's boys took just 90minutes to send a statement of intent, with a 2-1 historic victory over Angola.

The Zebras left it until very late against Malawi to secure a 1-1 draw, which put the team firmly in the driving seat.

Going into the last game against Mauritius, Zebras needed an outright win to secure a place in the quarter finals against defending champions, Zimbabwe.

And the Zebras rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, plundering six goals against a hapless Mauritian side, which failed to muster a response.

The 6-0 win is one of the biggest winning margins in COSAFA Cup's more than two decade history, only bettered by Seychelles' 7-0 win over Mauritius in 2008.

Against Zimbabwe, the Zebras fought gallantly, dragging the five time winners all the way to the penalties, where nerves deserted the local boys in a 3-1 defeat.

The Zebras went on to defeated Swaziland through a solitary Onkabetse Mankgantai goal to set-up a tantalizing final against bogey neighbors, South Africa on Friday.

After such a gallant performance, it is a cruel end that the Zebras are only battling for the Plate final, when at some stage, they looked more likely to go all the way to the final.

Instead, teams like Lesotho and Madagascar in the semi finals, confirming the cruel nature and unpredictability of football.

The Zebras have, in a long time, been playing exciting football, which has got people talking about the team once again.

Kick-off for the Plate final is 5pm at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The team arrived in Polokwane as dark horses and were not favored to emerge from a group that had Angola, Malawi and Mauritius.But David Bright's boys took just 90minutes to send a statement of intent, with a 2-1 historic victory over Angola.

The Zebras left it until very late against Malawi to secure a 1-1 draw, which put the team firmly in the driving seat.Going into the last game against Mauritius, Zebras needed an outright win to secure a place in the quarter finals against defending champions, Zimbabwe.

And the Zebras rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, plundering six goals against a hapless Mauritian side, which failed to muster a response.

The 6-0 win is one of the biggest winning margins in COSAFA Cup's more than two decade history, only bettered by Seychelles' 7-0 win over Mauritius in 2008.Against Zimbabwe, the Zebras fought gallantly, dragging the five time winners all the way to the penalties, where nerves deserted the local boys in a 3-1 defeat.

The Zebras went on to defeated Swaziland through a solitary Onkabetse Mankgantai goal to set-up a tantalizing final against bogey neighbors, South Africa on Friday.After such a gallant performance, it is a cruel end that the Zebras are only battling for the Plate final, when at some stage, they looked more likely to go all the way to the final.

Instead, teams like Lesotho and Madagascar in the semi finals, confirming the cruel nature and unpredictability of football.

The Zebras have, in a long time, been playing exciting football, which has got people talking about the team once again.Kick-off for the Plate final is 5pm at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.