We did it!

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Monday March 28, 2011 00:00

 

The Zebras became the first side to qualify for the 2012 AFCON finals after completing a double over Chad with a 1-0 win. A 54th-minute opportunistic Jerome Ramatlhakwana's strike ensured qualification. About 100 supporters who accompanied the team to N'djamena broke into song and dance at the final whistle.

It was a match which Stan Tshosane approached with caution but opened up as the game wore on. Tshosane, who becomes the first coach to take the team to the AFCON finals, started with Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping ahead of Joel Mogorosi. He pushed Mogogi Gabonamong to partner Ofentse Nato in a holding role while Mompati Thuma and Ndiyapo Letsholathebe started as twin centre backs. Musa Ohilwe was out wide.

The hosts started the match brightly although without much penetration. They seemed to rely heavily on towering Tunisian-based striker, Ndouassel Ezekiel, who exhibited fine skills. There wasn't much adventure in the first half save for two close chances that went the hosts' way. The two teams went into the break tied 0-0.

It took Ramatlhakwana only nine minutes into the second half to confirm the Zebras' place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next January. The hosts were punished for their profligacy as they seemed to afford the Zebras too much respect. Tshosane was ecstatic at the final whistle and was mobbed by his players.

'It's a culmination of hard work. We knew what we were doing from the onset. I would like to thank the fans, they have been marvellous,' Tshosane said. However, despite securing qualification, Tshosane said he is not about to let the foot off the accelerator. He intends to qualify with an unbeaten run with only two games remaining in the qualifiers. Malawi (at home) and Togo (away) have been reduced to dead rubbers and the coach will be expected to start experimenting ahead of the AFCON finals. Striker Ramatlhakwana, who notched his sixth goal of the qualifiers, believes a stronger Botswana team will progress to the quarter finals of the 2012 AFCON edition.

'If between now and the finals, we can have at least five local national team players play abroad, then we can have a strong team,' he said. Captain Mompati Thuma was overcome with emotion when the final whistle went. He becomes the first captain to lead the side to the AFCON finals.

'I am at loss of words. I am very happy and I would like to thank the supporters for their encouragement. This day will forever remain etched in my mind,' he said.

BFA chief executive officer, Judge Mookodi, was ecstatic at the final whistle. 'Excitement, elation! This will change the future of football in our country,' Mookodi said. BFA president, David Fani said qualification for the AFCON finals meant a lot to Botswana football.

'The people of Botswana have long been waiting for this moment. The fact that we have achieved this feat is a huge cause for celebration,' Fani said. 

Zebras supporters' club chairperson, Batsile 'Zicco' Koontse said qualification was a culmination of team effort.

'We have seen what we can achieve if we work together; be it the football association, the government and supporters,' Koontse said. The government chartered a flight to N'djamena and nearly 100 fans benefited from this benevolence.