Owen Sibanda
23 October 2009
The Zebras set up a quarterfinal date against Zimbabwe on Monday after beating Seychelles 2-0 in the final COSAFA Senior Challenge Group B match at Barbourfields Stadium yesterday.
The Zebras finished the group with seven points, one ahead of Swaziland, who had destroyed the Comoros 3-0 in an earlier game.
It took six minutes for Botswana to make their intentions clear as Pontsho Moloi pounced on a loose ball in a goalmouth melee and his shot hit the cross bar before bouncing into the nets.
From there on, the Zebras knocked the ball around, cautious not to make loose passes as Seychelles could pounce on the run and despite opening gaps, the Islanders' defenders swept all danger away.
In fact, the Seychelles could have hit the Zebras against the run of play in the 25th minute when Ronny Hoareau swiveled inside the box, but his first time volley hit the side netting.
The Zebras surged ahead after 38 minutes and this time it was a beautifully worked goal that involved an exchange of passes among Moemedi Moatlaping, Kemmy Pilato and Moloi. The last touch fell to Malepa Bolelang, who sliced past the goalkeeper Nelson Sopha.
It was Bolelang's second goal in as many games after scoring the priceless winner against Swaziland on Tuesday.
Three minutes after the breather, Sopha was forced to make a save after Botswana's Michael Mogaladi had attempted to curl in a shot from about 35 metres.
There was nothing much to write home about in the second half save for two chances in the 58th minute which Bolelang put wide.
Moloi could have completed a memorable double in the 78th minute when breaking clear of the Seychelles' defence, but he shot over the bar.
The Zebras, under no pressure at all, even had the luxury to rest skipper Mompati Thuma and goalkeeper Noah Maposa with one eye on the Zimbabwe match. After the group stages where there was just a day's rest between games, the Zebras will now have three days to prepare to play the hosts at Barbourfields.
Dirang Moloi was named the man of the match.
After the match, an elated coach Stanley Tshosane was already looking ahead to the next match.
"It was a good game for us, we played well, kept possession of the ball and avoided being caught on the break. It was more of a tactical game than anything because the players were tired.
"Now we face Zimbabwe on Monday, we have some issues of our own to attend to. Obviously it is going to be a tough game against the hosts, but we will give it our best," he said.
Botswana team
Noah Maposa (Botlhe Moralo 79th minute), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu, Musa Ohilwe, Mompati Thuma (Ontse Ntesa 66th minute), Pontsho Moloi, Moemedi Moatlaping, Kemmy Pilato, Malepa Bolelang (Keabetswe Jenamiso 64th minute), Dirang Moloi, Michael Mogaladi
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