Zebras' maiden AFCON berth on the horizon

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday September 7, 2010 00:00

 

In a weekend of shocks, the Zebras upset Africa's 2006 World Cup representatives in front of a partisan crowd at the UB Stadium to open a six-point lead in Group K at the end of their first round matches.

Although the 10 points are not enough to see the Zebras through, the national side will all but book a place with a win over Tunisia in November. The top two teams from the group qualify for the finals to be co-hosted by  Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. On Saturday, the Zebras played with much zeal and determination, which was evidently missing in their last home encounter against Chad. Young Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato chose the grand stage to display his raw talent with a masterful display in the middle of the park. With his holding partner Boitumelo Mafoko subdued, Nato gleefully accepted the invitation to shine with both hands.

He exuded exuberance and in a show of confidence, he had time to briefly showboat before launching one of his trademark long-range passes in the second half. Coach Stan Tshosane is aware of the attacking prowess his wingers possess. As such, on Saturday, attacks down the middle were limited while Phenyo Mongala and Joel Mogorosi's wings were a hive of activity. Although the team passed and attacked with precision, there should be worries about build-ups from the back. The twin centre backs, captain Mompati Thuma and Ndiyapo Letsholathebe could do better with the ball.

In most instances, they prefer firing the ball upfront rather than systematically initiating attacks from the rear.Letsholathebe has to refine his finishing. After he twice found himself with acres of space inside the box, he headed wide on both occasions. With his third goal in the qualifiers Jerome Ramatlhakwana proved once again that he will be key in the campaign.

Tshosane, who got his strategy right, should however have brought in Sekhana Koko for goal-scorer Joel Mogorosi who was drifting out of the game. Tunisia, favourites to top the group at the start of the qualifiers, find themselves in distant second with just one win.  The Carthage Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw at home by the Flames of Malawi, which left their campaign hanging in the balance. Malawi have not lost a game in three matches but are yet to register a win and remain in third place. Togo are fourth with just two points while Chad anchor the group with one point.

Elsewhere, Cape Verde produced one of the weekend's shock results after a 1-0 win over Mali, while Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Senegal. Uganda shocked Angola 3-0 while Sierra Leone almost caused an upset in Egypt before settling for a 1-1 draw. Zambia whitewashed the Comoros 4-0 while the Central Africa Republic held fading African giants, Morocco to a 1-1 draw.