Sembowa's Late Strike Sinks Lesotho
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday March 26, 2018 13:15
The Zebras had only won one game under the guidance of David Bright prior to the weekend’s fixture and were under pressure to redeem themselves while fans shun the game. From the first minute, the home side showed their intentions and launched an enterprising counter attack led by Kabelo Seakanyeng and Edwin Moalosi. However, the former could not find the back of the net and shot wide.
Five minutes later, Gift Moyo also missed his chance from yet another Zebras attack. The Zebras continued to dominate the proceedings on the day, having a lion’ share of the ball possession but could not break the deadlock as their opponents sat back. In the 35th minute, Mpho Kgaswane managed to beat his two markers with skill but his effort from a tight angle went wide. With five minutes to recess, the home side suffered an injury blow as Thabang Mosige limped out and was replaced by Mosha Gaolaolwe. Samuel Khetsekile superbly denied Gift Moyo on a one-on-one situation to keep it level at 0-0 at the break.
Three minutes after the break, Jerome Ramatlhakwana headed home from a close range but he was ruled offside. Likoena started to find their feet in the game. In the 52nd minute, Hlompho Kalake tried Kabelo Dambe from a free-kick but the goalkeeper collected. Five minutes later, Dambe was called into action once again and saved a hard hit low drive from substitute Letsipe Marabe. In the 72nd minute, substitute goalkeeper, Keeagile Kgosipula superbly denied Marabe on a one-on-one as he parried the ball back into play.
With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Keeagile Kobe flicked the ball for Sembowa who benefited a miss-kick by the defender to slot home past the advancing goalkeeper to give the Zebras the lead on the 82nd minute.
The visitors tried to salvage something from the game, but their efforts were not fruitful and the game ended 1-0 in the Zebras’ favour.
“Lesotho gave us a very good game. In the first half, we created a lot of chances but we could not convert. We did a lot substitutions in the second half. We played well and I am very happy with the performance. Our aim was to win the game at all costs,” Bright said after game.
The Teams:
Botswana: Kabelo Dambe (Keeagile Kgosipula), Tshepo Maikano, Simisane Mathumo, Thabang Mosige (Mosha Gaolaolwe), Lesenya Ramoraka, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Gift Moyo (Segolame Boy), Mpho Kgaswane (Keeagile Kobe), Edwin Moalosi (Thatayaone Kgamanyane), Kabelo Seakanyeng, Jerome Ramatlhakwana (Tebogo Sebowa)
Lesotho: Samuel Khetsekile, Moremogolo Mafa, Thapelo Mokhehle, Kopano Tseka, Basia Makepe, Ralekoti Mokhahlane (Jane Thabantso), Tumelo Khutlang (Tsepo Tloloane), Hlompho Kalake (Letsipe Marabe), Jane Tsotleho, Luciano Matsoso, Nkoto Masoabi (Motebana Sera)
Cautions: Seakanyeng
Botswana 1 (Sembowa 82nd)
Lesotho 0