Pitch invasion continues to be a major concern for Botswana football. Overly excited fans stormed the pitch after Boikobo Matakule's decisive penalty handed the Zebras 4-3 shootout win over Zimbabwe in the Independence Cup match played on Saturday at the National Stadium.
The two sides had played to a 1-1 draw in normal time and Zebras secured a victory in the penalty shootout. The youngster was given huge responsibility of taking the last penalty and confidently sent the Zimbabwean goalkeeper the wrong way. Overall the Zebras missed one penalty, through Tapiwa Sepatela whose effort was saved by the goalkeeper. All other Zebras penalty takers, Gofaone Mabaya, Thato Kebue, Lebogang Ramotse and Matakule managed to beat the Zimbabwean goalkeeper.
Both sides had fair chances in the entire match. Lemogang Maswena and Monty Enosa troubled Zimbabwean defence everytime they moved forward. On the other end, Walter Musona gave Zebras right back, Sepatela a torrid time with his skill. Tanaka Shandirwa also looked solid in front of the defence and cut most of Zebras movements in the middle of the park. Both sides went to the halftime break tied with a 0-0 score.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the second half through Obriel Chirinda whose powerful shot beat Zebras goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela. Zebras responded immediately with a beautiful movement and Lemogang Maswena found himself at the end of it. He made no mistake, tapping in from close range. Both sides maintained their attacking styles in search of a win; their defences dealt brilliantly with every danger and the match ended 1-1, forcing the two sides into a penalty shootout.
