How Zebras' Players Fared Against Togo

| Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

Modiri MarumoHe was hardly tested the whole afternoon by the visitors. He saved the nation when he came off his line to clear the lines after his defence was caught off-guard in the 40th minute.  After conceding a strange goal against Malawi in the last qualifier, Marumo once again conceded a stupid goal. However, he was exposed by his rearguard when he conceded on Saturday. He remains Botswana's top goalkeeper. Rating: 7/10

Mompati ThumaOne of the most committed defenders. He hardly put a foot wrong on Saturday but, he has to take the blame for the goal conceded. It will be interesting to see how the Zebras cope in the absence of the hard-working BDF XI defender. Rating 8/10

Musa OhilweThe trials he underwent in Greece seemed to have inspired him to put on a sterling performance at the right-back position for the Zebras. He defended well and helped in attack. The newly-signed Gaborone United defender has to work on his distribution which at times let him down. Rating: 8/10

Mosimanegape RamohibiduTwizer had a blinder at left-back position and silenced his critics who have been wondering why he is picked ahead of some players. He formed a perfect combination with winger, Phenyo Mongala which created headaches for the Togolese. His crosses were good. Rating: 8/10

Ndiyapo LetsholathebeHe had a fantastic game at the heart of the defence but like Thuma, he deserves the blame for Togo's goal. He has to work on his ball distribution. At times, he tends to be stylish when making final pass and this can be costly if he is dispossessed. Rating: 7/10

Boitumelo MafokoIt was good to see Navara back in the Zebras' colours. But the workhorse was not his best on the day. He was replaced by Patrick Motsepe in the 69th minute but did enough to guarantee a place in the next qualifier. Rating: 6/10

Ofentse Nato There has been a group of commentators who believe that the young Gaborone United (GU) holding midfielder has been sent into the deep end early. But after a man of the match performance against Togo, there might be a change of heart. Nato was denied a goal in the 18th minute by the Togolese goalkeeper. He remains one of the key players in the qualifiers. Rating: 9/10

Joel MogorosiHis pace gave the opposition a tough time on the day but he disappointed with his first cross of the game which could have led to the Zebras' opener. When most were still calling him names, Mogorosi did the right thing when he gave the hosts a sixth minute lead. The execution which led to the goal was out of this world. Late in the second half, he could have completed his brace but he was let down by indecision. Rating: 7/10

Jerome RamatlhakwanaHe has not let his lack of game time at South African Premier League club, Cape Town Santos affect his focus.  He has been banging in goals in the qualifiers and knows that the hopes of the nation lies on his shoulders. His 54th minute goal handed the Zebras the maximum points. Ramatlhakwana played the last 20 minutes of the game in pain as coach Stanley Tshosane had completed his substitutions. Rating: 7/10

Diphetogo SelolwaneDipsy once again worked hard for the cause of the team. His experience is important as the youngsters look up to him. He was the only player who was booked by the Rwandan referee on the day for a dirty tackle.  If the Zebras qualify for 2012 AFCON, surely Selolwane and Marumo, as the longest serving members, will retire a happy lot.  Rating: 8/10

Phenyo MongalaBefore he was forced out by an ankle injury in the 35th minute, Mongala gave the opposition a tough time with his pace and skill.

His hard work down the left wing, led to the Zebras' opening goal. A down to earth star whose contribution might lead the Zebras to Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Rating: 7/10

Pontsho MoloiReplaced Phenyo Mongala in the first half and the supporters went into a frenzy. Honestly, Piro did not do enough knowing his potential.  His performance has been affected by the long lay-off he had at club level, but surely, the nation knows what a fully fit Moloi is capable of. He remains a key member of the team. Rating: 6/10

Patrick MotsepeReplaced Mafoko for the remaining 21 minutes and got in the mix of things. Competed well with the physical Togolese players. A hard-working player who when the going gets tough will be needed by the Zebras' technical team. Rating: 6/10

Mokgathi MokgathiHe still has to justify why he is called for national duty. Though he was called minutes before the game to replace ineligible Dirang Moloi in the team list, Mokgathi did not give the Zebras any options when he replaced Selolwane in the 71st minute. Rating: 6/10