The Zebras were left with no option but to win their last group match against Eswatini on Wednesday afternoon, failure to which they would make their quick return to Botswana. As expected, Eswatini were not going to allow themselves to be bullied, especially that they only needed a draw to advance to the semi-finals. They made it even more difficult for the Zebras when they scored first in the first half and despite Thatayaone Kgamanyane’s equaliser in the second half, it was not enough for Zebras.
Ahead of their departure to South Africa, interim coach, Letang Kgengwenyane was highly optimistic about Zebras’ chances of winning a first major silverware. He was well aware that most of the players had not performed competitive matches for over a year but said the training camp had helped his charges reach the required level of fitness. He called up the country’s best players including exports, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Mothusi Cooper, Tumisang Orebonye and Kabelo Seakanyeng. Even before they could play the first match, Zebras were dealt a blow when Cooper was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19. The issues surrounding his COVID-19 results caused a lot of confusion when other negative results appeared on social media. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) then said the player who was expected to join the team later would no longer be part of this year’s COSAFA squad. “Cooper has asked not to be part of the team for this year’s squad,” BFA spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane said after the Zambia match.
