Photo: CAF

Zambia celebrating 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifying (file photo).

BOTSWANA and Swaziland last night opened their 2013 COSAFA Senior Challenge campaign with an explosive Group B match in Kitwe which unfortunately ended in a virgin draw.

The two southern African rivals put up a scintillating performance in the 20th meeting watched by an enthusiastic crowd but it was Botswana who could have bagged maximum points if their strikers were more efficient at goal.

Botswana led by man-of-the-match Phenyo Mongala created more than 15 scoring opportunities but great work from Swaziland goalkeeper, Nhlanhla Gwebu to some extent ensured a share of spoils.

At the nick of full-time, Gwebu threw himself at the feet of Mongala to stop a goal-bound shot, much to the relief of coach Valeer Billen and his Swaziland technical bench.

On 82 minutes, Swaziland almost stole a winner with a fantastic Wonder Nhleko strike but the Zebras' goalkeeper, Noah Maposa did well to keep it out.

Ten minutes earlier, Mongala saw his shot hit the back post while Swaziland's Sabelo Ndzinisa had the ball fly just a few inches off the target on 58 minutes.

Jerome Ramatlhakwana must have cursed himself for missing a great opportunity for Botswana after beating the Sihlangu goalkeeper on 50 minutes, only for the ball to whistle past the goal post.

The first half was not disappointing either as both teams created many scoring opportunities but were unable to convert any into goals.

After the match, Botswana coach, Stanley Tshosane rued the missed chances but congratulated Swaziland for putting up a brave show.

"I've no words (to describe this match). It was a tough game but I'm disappointed with the result because we created several chances where we could even have scored four or five goals," Tshosane said in a post-match interview.

He said the Zebras would now need to improve on their finishing touches and composure in the next against Lesotho and Kenya.

Mongala said it was not just Botswana's day but that they would now look positively to the next match against Lesotho.

Billen said Swaziland played against a good team and that his players were in fantastic shape despite scoring.

He said he still had belief that Swaziland would perform even better in the next matches.

With last night's draw, the winner today between Lesotho and East African guests, Kenya will take an early lead of the group.