Morapedi optimistic despite crushing defeat :: Mmegi Online

MASERU: Under-20 coach Innocent Morapedi chose to remain defiant in the face of a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of a dominant Zimbabwe in a COSAFA Under-20 Youth Championships match in Mafeteng, west of Maseru on Saturday.

Morapedi's charges did not turn up for the match and the Young Warriors obliged with a merciless heavy defeat. Despite the loss, Botswana progresses to the next stage to face one of the tournament's favourites, Angola. On Saturday, only goalkeeper, Keeagile Kgosipula turned up for the match as the rest froze in fluctuating temperatures on a bumpy pitch. Zimbabwe maintained a tight grip throughout the proceedings and never allowed Botswana to come out of their shells.

Winger, Carlos Rusere, gave Zimbabwe a deserved lead in the 30th minute, when he was given the freedom of Mafeteng Stadium by an off-duty Young Zebras defence. Rusere had all the time to turn and smash past Kgosipula before the Zimbabweans spurned a host of chances to extend their lead.

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