Tshepo Molwane
2 June 2008
Gaborone — Zebras started the 2010 World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifiers on a low note when they were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Madagascar at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday.
From their display, the Zebras' campaign can be said to be as good as over. Despite creating numerous chances, the Zebras failed to covert them. Even coach Colwyn Rowe could not hide his utter disappointment over the outcome of the game.
"I am tired of taking the criticism while the players could not convert chances, which even you and my wife could have scored. We wanted to get a win but did not and I am disappointed," said Rowe.
The Zebras' tactician further said that Madagascar sat back and it was difficult to break them down. He told Monitor Sport that when he realised that goals were not coming, he brought in Dirang Moloi, Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo and Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang but things did not change.
After the draw, Rowe said that the pressure will be on when they travel to Maputo to take on Mozambique. The Zebras take on the 'Mambas' on Sunday in a game, which could spell doom for Botswana if they lose it.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) technical director Losika Keatlholetswe said though the Zebras tried their best on the day, they lacked aggression. "We played as if we were playing away. The top three forwards stayed apart for most of the game and the player (Boitumelo Mafioso), who is supposed to link them, was not mobile," said the BFA official.
Keatlholetswe said when the Zebras travel to Maputo, it will be expedient to deploy the same tactics they used against Madagascar since they will be playing away.
Madagascar coach Soamady Hafany told Monitor Sport said that they were delighted at having forced a draw in Gaborone.
"Botswana is a good team and played better. But I am not worried because we came here for a draw because we had no time to prepare," he said.
Hafany pointed out that they had not played football for four months in Madagascar and had five days to prepare for the Botswana game. Madagascar will play host to group favourites Ivory Coast in Antananarivo this coming weekend.
After the game, some disgruntled Zebras' supporters waited at the Pandamatenga stand, chanting Rowe's name. This forced the coach not to go to the dressing rooms and instead he was whisked out through the western gate under tight security. Some supporters told Monitor Sport that it is time for the Briton "to relieve himself" of the job. "That man should go," said a disgruntled supporter.
But on Saturday, Rowe must have asked himself what he needs to do after watching his side dominate play only for the strikers to throw away the chances they created. Zebras had the visitors on the back-pedal in the opening minutes and Pontsho Moloi's effort was ruled offside with the supporters already celebrating the goal.
In the 25th minute, Joel Mogorosi made a clever run on the right wing but was let down by indecision. But credit has to go to the visitors' goalkeeper for making a dramatic save. At the other end, Madagascar's deadly striker Fanera Andriatsima had the Zebras' defence in sixes and sevens whenever in possession.
He came close to scoring in the 38th and 77th minutes but he was unlucky. Mogorosi broke through towards the end of the first half but instead of going for broke, he decided to make a pass, which went begging.
The chance could have won the Zebras the game. After the break, the introduction of Dirang Moloi brought life to the hosts as he started spreading the passes around.
The young Notwane midfielder had the supporters on their feet but his introduction proved to be too little too late. Substitute Mabogo had two opportunities in the 78th and 82nd minutes but could not find the back of the net.
The Zebras line-up was: Modiri Marumo, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Nelson Gabolwelwe, Mompati Thuma, Ernest Amos, Ndiapo Letsholathebe, Michael Mogaladi (Dirang Moloi), Boitumelo Mafoko, Joel Mogorosi (Malepa Bolelang), Diphetogo Selolwane (Mpho Mabogo) and Pontsho Moloi.
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