The Zebras desperately needed a win to keep their slim hopes alive in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers but missed numerous scoring chances and paid for it.Without two holding midfielders, Mogogi Gabonamong and Ofentse Nato, coach Stanley Tshosane started with two offensive middle men, Dirang Moloi and Jackie Mothatego. The duo combined well and controlled proceedings, which saw Zebras dish out one of their best performances in a long time.Even without a defensive midfielder, Zebras managed to keep the ball much longer than Ethiopia and created better chances.
Moloi in particular proved once again why his absence in the national team was seriously felt. He mesmerised Ethiopia with his silky skill and released Zebras wingers as well as forwards with his trademark defence splitting passes. Moloi was playing his second match since his return to the national team.The Ethiopians approached the match with caution knowing very well what was at stake.They were leading the group with seven points before the Zebras match and second placed South Africa were just two points behind and were scheduled to play Central African Republic. Zebras' chances started as early as the ninth minute.
