Zebras Fall Short Of Top Four Finish
Staff Writer | Monday June 4, 2018 12:11
However, they missed some chances especially in the second half that should have sealed the match in normal time.
Zimbabwe had taken the lead with less than 10 minutes before the halftime break through Evans Risuke. The Zebras also had some few chances in the first half with Onkabetse Makgantai and Kabelo Seakanyeng giving Zimbabwean defence a hard time with their runs.
In the second half, coach David Bright made a double substitution by introducing Gaborone United duo; Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Tumisang Orenonye for Gape Mohutsiwa and Karabo Phiri in search of an equaliser. The move paid dividends with the oncoming players increasing firepower upfront.
Following some pressure on Zimbabwean defence, Zebras were awarded a corner kick in the middle of the second half and Makgantai scored his fourth goal at the tournament after Zimbabwe failed to clear off the lines. Zebras gained confidence but were mostly let down by their decision making going forward.
They managed to hold on until the two sides went for penalty shoot-out. With Zebras taking the first penalty, Seakanyeng led by example with a cool finish sending Zimbabwean goalkeeper the wrong way.
However, Zimbabwe also scored all their penalties while Zebras missed through Tebogo Sosome, Orebonye and Kgamanyane. The Zebras will now play Swaziland to determine who finishes in a better position in this year’s tournament.