Young Zebras keep slim hopes alive

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Tuesday December 7, 2010 00:00

 

The Young Zebras will now have to wait for the outcome of the Zimbabwe-Swaziland clash tomorrow at the same venue. The hosts will keep their fingers crossed for a narrow Swaziland victory, which will give them a ticket to the  semi-finals. The Young Zebras are now joint top with Zimbabwe with three points. The Young Warriors beat Botswana 3-0 in the opening match on Friday.

Two goals by Lesego Tafa and another from Kaelo Kgaswane were enough to seal victory for the local side. Tafa outpaced the Swazi defence in the 10th minute after being released by Kabo Rasuping to score the opener.

Captain Lemogang Maswena could have increased the lead in the 19th minute but shot wide. A lot was expected of the Notwane striker after his inspiring performance coming on a second half substitute when his team drew 1-1 with Mochudi Centre Chiefs in a league match 24 hours earlier. The Young Zebras were nearly shocked in the 23rd minute when Siboniso Ndzabanzaba caught the defence off-guard but his shot went narrowly past the left post.

By half time, Swaziland had managed to absorb the earlier pressure from the Young Zebras and started to show good technique and organisation, and looked more threatening. The local team earned a free kick in the 39th minute and Kgaswane showed bravery by taking a long range shot but Swazi goalkeeper Ndumiso Dlamini did well to save.

China Matlhaku's team got another chance just two minutes from the break and Tafa completed his brace earning  himself a man of the match award in the process.

From the break, Swaziland looked the better side but Kgaswane showed character in the 46th minute again taking a long range shot which gave Dlamini some problems resulting in a corner.

The Swazis were unlucky again in the 75th minute when Ndzabanzaba hit the left post from close range with Mowampole Masule completely beaten. Kgaswane capped a good performance with a diving header in the 82nd minute capitalising on substitute Kobamelo Kebaikantse's corner kick and made it 3-0 for Botswana.

The line ups Botswana : Mowampole Masule, Lesego Tafa, Kenamile Mani, Kabo Rasuping, Momopoloki Rangwang, Lemogang Maswena, Kaelo Kgaswane, Mooketsi Hlabano, Thabiso Khunwane, Motsholetsi Sikele(TueloMotaung 51), Phenyo Molefe(Kobamelo Kebaikantse 61)Coach: China Matlhaku

Swaziland: Ndumiso Dlamini, Samkeliso Mhlanga, Sifiso Mazibuko, Mfanukhona Makhanya, Banele Dlamini, Menzi Mamba, Mxolisi Lukhele(Mlamuli Nkambule 53), Sipho Tsabedze, Sandile Mhlanga, Zwekele Dlamin(Malusi Dlamini 46), Victor Khoza.