The dream lives on

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday March 23, 2007 00:00

 

During the first leg in Tunis, the Botswana side caused a surprise by holding Tunisia to a 0-0 draw. In the second leg, Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping was the hero after his 46th minute goal settled the match. He scored after receiving a defence-splitting pass from midfield dynamo Dirang Moloi. At the final whistle, thousands of supporters who packed the National Stadium went into wild celebrations as the Young Zebras  took a lap of honour. Speaking to Mmegi Sport after the match, a delighted Under-23 coach David Bright said his charges played according to instructions. 'We contained them in the first half and decided to attack them in the second half,' he said. Bright who could not contain his happiness, asserted that the Dream Team has a bright future so long as they get the necessary support from the Botswana Football Association (BFA). He thanked fans for their wonderful support despite the fact that the game was played at night.

Last night, the Young Zebras started strongly and launched attacks through the wings. But they could not break the Tunisians who were very strong in the air. On the other hand, the continental giants did not let the Young Zebras to dictate terms and went for broke. Young Zebras' goalkeeper Noah Maposa who was in an uncompromising mood thwarted the Tunisians. Unfortunately, Maposa had to be ferried to hospital in the 69th minute after suffering a dislocated shoulder. Itumeleng Selepa replaced him. The only clear chance for the Young Zebras in the opening half came in the 28th minute when Moatlhaping's shot missed the target by a whisker.

The Zebras finally took the lead just after the break when Moatlhaping curled the ball past advancing goalkeeper, Arbi Mejri. The goal frustrated the Tunisians who resorted to dirty play but the referee did well to book them. Young Zebras were unlucky not to stretch the lead when Mosimanegape Ramohibidu's curling free-kick rattled the crossbar.
Led by their forceful striker Yassine Chikhaoui, the Tunisians tried hard to get an equaliser but their efforts were frustrated by a tough Young Zebras' defence marshalled by captain Musa Ohilwe.