Though he inherited the same team that Jelusic used, the Zebras have been far from convincing even in victory much to the chagrin of supporters.
But those close to the Botswana Football Association (BFA) argue that while Rowe is partly to blame for the poor performances, he has not got the full support from the association when preparing for big games. This is said to be frustrating the Englishman. He was almost reduced to tears ahead of the date with Burundi in Kigali, Rwanda a fortnight ago because of what is said to be lack of proper support from BFA. This was not helped by the fact that there were some players who were drafted in the team without his consent. To make matters worse, BFA is still failing to settle players' appearance fees which is said to have caused deep divisions.
Even the preparations for tomorrow's game have not been up to standard but the nippy Englishman remains confident that he will win. "The preparations have been better than last time but I believe that something has to be done.
All is not lost and we need to win this game as we still have a chance," he said. Rowe who watched haplessly when Zebras were walloped 4-0 in the first leg in Nouakchott nine months ago, knows that nothing less than victory against the minnows will endear him to local supporters.
"The supporters must realise that we've improved a lot. In Burundi, we lost a game we were not supposed to have lost. But with the support of Batswana, we can go all the way," he told Mmegi Sport. Rowe said his charges will go for broke against the North Africans. Onalethata Tshekiso and Pontsho Moloi are likely to start upfront, supported by South African-based Diphetogo Selolwane. Yesterday, Rowe was keeping his fingers crossed that goalkeeper Modiri Marumo recovers from injury. It was expected that the BDF XI custodian would resume training yesterday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Mauritania have their own problems after the resignation of head coach Mustapha Petit Sall and his assistant Pape Seck. The North Africans were already in the country by Wednesday to get used to the conditions. After holding continental champions Egypt to a 1-1 draw at home a fortnight ago, there is no doubt that they will put their off-field problems aside and fight.
The winner of tomorrow's game will go second in the group behind Egypt whose tie against Burundi has been postponed. It is understood that the match could not take place because hotels in Kigali, capital of neighbouring Rwanda where Burundi was supposed to host Egypt are fully booked. Burundi have been forced to play in Rwanda because their stadium in Bujumbura is still undergoing renovation.
Referees for Zebras' game tomorrow come from Rwanda. Tickets are selling at P70 for the covered stands while fans at the notorious Pandamatenga will pay P30. The other stands will be charged at P20 each.
