Zebras out to redeem national pride

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Friday June 7, 2013 00:00

 

Then in need to overcome a 3-0 deficit from the first leg match of the 2013 AFCON qualifiers, they were up for a rude awakening as Mali humiliated them 4-1 in their own backyard. The result thus denied the Zebras their second AFCON appearance. 

It appeared like a switch from the University of Botswana (UB) stadium, which they had used as their home ground for the past three years, had turned ugly.  The team had nothing, but sweet memories from the university facility having succeeded in turning it into a slaughterhouse en route to qualifying for the 2012 AFCON. The Zebras are rooted at the bottom of Group C of the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they welcome group leaders Ethiopia to the Lobatse stadium tomorrow afternoon. The team would first be seeking to get a result that would retrieve their waning pride.  Coach Stanley Tshosane has in recent interviews, possibly admitting defeat and that reaching the next round of the qualifiers is a far-fetched dream, emphasised the importance of getting good results to revive the team's fortunes. 'It is important to win all remaining matches, even though we are at the bottom of the group, we are still in with a slim chance.

If we beat Ethiopia, the difference between us and them will be three points, and anything can happen from there,' he told Mmegi Sport after arriving from Egypt on Wednesday.  In fact he said the away draw with the Pharaohs' was a morale-booster for the team ahead of the Ethiopia date. 

Botswana were unlucky to concede a goal in the 90th minute as they lost 1-0 to the Walia Antelopes when they visited Addis Ababa in March this year. Group A is still open with second placed South Africa pinning their hopes on Zebras to beat Ethiopia as they try to usurp the top position. Bafana Bafana themselves will be away to third placed Central Africa Republic (CAR) in Cameroon tomorrow.

For tomorrow's game, Tshosane is not expected to make many changes to his line- up against Egypt. Ofentse Nato might get the nod ahead of inexperienced Alphonse Modisaotsile playing in front of the defence.  The Zebras returned from Egypt without any major knocks and a full strength squad is expected for the Ethiopia game.

Strtiker Jerome Ramatlhakwane is expected to lead the attack assisted by Mogakolodi Ngele as the second striker, while Joel Mogorosi and Phenyo Mongala operate from the wings.  Tshosane has also shown growing confidence in GU marksman Tebogo Sembowa and he will likely get a chance.