Young Zebras face early exit

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday December 6, 2010 00:00

 

Only group winners proceed to the next round and the Young Zebras now need a miracle to sail through because its pool has only three teams after Malawi pulled out. Botswana must bury the other opponent in the group ---Swaziland --- in an avalanche of goals and hope that Swazis defeat Zimbabwe. Despite having home ground advantage and backing of local supporters who came in impressive numbers, the Young Zebras looked lost and hopeless as dominant Zimbabwe controlled the game for long periods. The match played at the University of Botswana Stadium saw the hosts dominating possession in the opening stages. However, they failed to make their dominance count and were punished at the end of the first half when Zimbabwe netted against the run of play.

Concentration lapse by the Young Zebras in the final minutes of the first half saw Zimbabwe take the lead through Lincolin Zvasiya. The Botswana defence failed to pick him during a neat passing movement and the player wasted no time in giving Zimbabwe a 1-0 half time lead.

Things got worse immediately after the break as Zimbabwe doubled their lead through captain Simbarashe Sithole, following another defensive error. From then, it was Zimbabwe all the way as the Young Zebras' spirits dampened. Zimbabwe were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute after Mompoloki Rangwang's foul in the box.

Denver Mukamba converted to make it 3-0.

The loss now means the Young Zebras are left with a very slim chance of qualifying for the semi-finals as they take on Swaziland in Molepolole this afternoon. Their fate now lies elsewhere as they have to beat Swaziland by a large margin and pray that the Swazis beat Zimbabwe in Molepolole on Wednesday.

Team line-ups:Botswana: Masule-Lesego Tafa, Kenamile Mani, Kabo Rasuping, Mompoloki Rangwang-Maswena, Mooketsi Hlabano, Thabiso Khunwane, Maikano (Phenyo Molefe), Motsholetsi Sikele, Themba Jaele (Kobamelo Rebaikanye).

Zimbabwe: Nkomo-Simbarashe Sithole, Russel Madamombe (Patrick Kaunda), Willard Kalongonda, Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Machona, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Mukamba, Svasiya (Mhleli Sibanda), Nqobizitha Masuku.

Man of the Match: Kudakwashe MahachiReferee: Sudul Mohammed Imteaz (Mauritius)Assistant 1: Andrivoavonjy Pier J. E (Madagascar)Assistant 2: Underwood Percy Walter (Seychelles)4th official : Jane David (Lesotho)