Zebras' Fairytale Continues

Tshepo Molwane
Staff Writer
@ UB Stadium | Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

 

Botswana's fairytale run in the 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers continued on Saturday afternoon when they beat visiting Togo 2-1 before a packed UB Stadium.

The Zebras now lead Group 11 with 10 points from four games. Late on Saturday night in North Africa, Malawi did the Zebras a big favour when they held Tunisia to a 2-2 draw in another qualifier.

Tunisia who are favourites to win this group and qualify for the African showpiece, lie second with four points and will have a difficult assignment of dislodging the Zebras at the top.

Against Togo, the Zebras played better football and it was not long before Joel Mogorosi opened the scoring with a half volley in the sixth minute but this was cancelled on the stroke of halftime by Serge Gapke.

Zebras' marksman Jerome Ramatlhakwana scored the winner nine minutes into the second half. It was Ramatlhakwana's third goal in the qualifiers and this makes him the Zebras' main man in attack.

This is despite the fact that he is not playing at his South African Premier League club, Cape Town Santos. After giving away a silly goal to the visitors, the arrival of President Ian Khama seemed to motivate the Zebras who did not waste time in punishing their opponents. Minutes before kick-off, Zebras' golden boy Dirang Moloi was taken off the team list because he did not have a passport for identification.

He was replaced by Mokgathi Mokgathi who later came on as a substitute. The absence of the former Mochudi Centre Chiefs' midfield kingpin was not felt as the likes of Diphetogo Selolwane, Ofentse Nato and Boitumelo Mafoko did a fantastic job in the middle of the park.

Speaking to the press after the game, coach Stanley Tshosane said that his charges are not far from reaching their target of qualifying for the AFCON for the first time.

He was quick to point out that it is important for the players to remain focused as they still to have to work on a number of areas.

'We still need a bit of urgency when we are attacking but I am happy with the character of my players. After conceding that goal, I told the boys at halftime that is part of the game and I am happy they responded well,' said Tshosane.

The coach praised the supporters who attended the game in large numbers saying that they motivate the team. 'We always try to play well in front of our supporters because they cannot travel with us for away games,' he added. Zebras' goalkeeper Modiri Marumo said their opponents made things difficult for them.

'Togo were composed on the ball and you could see that they are professionals. I am worried about the fact that we did not utilise our strength which is pace (on the wings) and we missed lots of scoring chances,' he said.

Marumo admitted that they conceded a stupid goal, which he attributed to a concentration lapse. The Bay United goalkeeper added that in preparation for the upcoming matches, they have to rectify the weaknesses evident at the weekend.

The Zebras take a two-month break in the qualifiers before hosting Tunisia in Gaborone on November 17. Next month, Malawi host Chad while Togo will be home to Tunisia.

This is how the two teams lined up: Zebras: Marumo, Thuma, Ohilwe, Ramohibidu, Letsholathebe, Mafoko (Motsepe 69), Nato, Mogorosi, Ramatlhakwana, Selolwane (Mokgathi 71), Mongala (Pontsho Moloi 35)

Togo: Tchangouni, Mango (Sadate 69), Akakpo, Nimbombe, Mamah, Salifou, Amewou, Floyd Ayite (Zakari 58), Boukari, Jonathan Ayite, Gakpe (Mani 58).

Man of the match: Ofentse Nato

Cautions: Selolwane 22

Referee: Issa Kagabo (Rwanda)Assistant referees: Celestin Ntagungira and Filicien Kabanda (both from Rwanda)

Fourth official: Kiroha Kalimba (Rwanda)