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Botswana: Zebras Fire More Blanks
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Mmegi/The Reporter (Gaborone)
3 April 2008
Posted to the web 3 April 2008
Boitumelo Khutsafalo
April 1, 2008 will be remembered by many people as a historic day for the country. It was the day when Vice-President Ian Khama became the fourth president of Botswana and the national team, the Zebras played a Brazilian side on home soil for the first time.
The game was graced by dignitaries amongst them, Khama, newly-appointed Vice President, Mompati Merafhe, Maun East MP, Ronald Ridge, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Phandu Skelemani as well as newly appointed Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Gladys Kokorwe. As he stepped out of his vehicle, Merafhe was greeted with cheers from the grand stands. The game marked the inauguration of the new president, who is also the patron of the Botswana Football Association (BFA). It was also part of the national team's preparations for 2010 World Cup/AFCON qualifiers.
Despite losing by a solitary goal, the Zebras played well, and created chances against their Brazilian opponents. The failure to score worried coach Colwyn Rowe after the game. He was disappointed that his charges have failed to score for the second time in a week. The Zebras lost to Zimbabwe 1-0 last week after missing several opportunities.
In the game against the Brazilians, Rowe made several changes to the side that played against Zimbabwe. In the absence of the South African-based players, Michael Mogaladi and Mogogi Gabonamong and Modiri Marumo who is in Egypt, Vincent Phiri and Keoagetse 'Barnes' Radipotsane got a chance to play in midfield.
Noah Maposa took over Marumo's position in goal. Veteran striker Diphetogo Selolwane started on the bench with Moemedi 'Jomo' Moatlhaping preferred. The Brazilian team was made up of players from the capital Brasilia.
Zebras got the first real chance of the match in the 11th minute when Phiri, who had a fantastic game sent in a good long ball to Nelson Gabolwelwe. The winger crossed the ball into the box but the Brazilian defence reacted quickly to clear the danger. From the resultant corner kick, top striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana had a good chance to score but his effort was too weak to trouble goalkeeper, Osmair. Brazil's best chance in the first half came in the 25th minute through a curling free-kick from Adrianinho but Zebras' goalkeeper, Maposa was alert and handled it well.
Early in the second half, Adrianinho, tested Maposa with a long range shot but again the Mochudi Centre Chiefs' custodian dealt easily with the effort.
Zebras should have taken the lead in the 52nd minute after Moatlhaping cleverly laid a pass to Ramatlhakwana whose shot was once again too feeble to trouble Osmair. Brazil finally got their goal in the 54th minute through Esley. South African referee, Matthew Dyer allowed play to continue though it looked like Brazilian striker, Miche had fouled Zebras' defender, Ernest Amos before releasing Esley.
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Rowe made three substitutions in the 62nd minute, bringing in Pontsho Moloi, Selolwane and Mpho Mabogo for Moatlhaping, Dirang Moloi and Ramatlhakwana respectively.
The trio tried to increase the pace of the game but the Zebras could not get the breakthrough despite creating numerous chances. In-form Gabolwelwe was substituted in the 70th minute, much to the disapproval of the supporters who felt that he was one of the outstanding players. He paved way for Tshepo 'Talk Talk' Motlhabankwe who did not have any major impact in the game. The supporters showed their impatience when Phiri was replaced by striker Malepa Bolelang.
Five minutes from time, Selolwane could have scored after being set-up by Moloi but he wasted the opportunity.
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| Copyright © 2008 Mmegi/The Reporter. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections -- or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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