01 Sep 2022

Botswana’s Zebras are ready to take on Madagascar’s Barea in the second leg of African Championships  qualifiers today

Zebras gaffer, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote is optimistic that his charges will cancel the 0-1 loss they suffered  in Francistown on August 27.

Mpote said he had devised a system to overcome his opponents.

Speaking in an interview from Madagascar, he said the 3-5-2  system was working for the team because seven players were able to attack from all angles.

He also motivated players to improve communication in the field. This came about after the Zebras conceded a goal in the first leg following a communication lapse between goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko and a defender.

Coach Mpote said the boys had worked on that weakness.

He further indicated that they were also beaten in the first leg because there was no balance on their defence.

On one hand, he said Madagascar had an eight-man blockage in defence, which also made it difficult for his boys to penetrate.

Mpote stated that the main aim was for the Zebras to qualify for the continental showpiece at all costs, revealing that the intention was to score one goal in the first half to inspire the boys to look for more.He added that the Zebras needed only two goals to ensure victory.

“A 1-1 draw will mean that we will have to go for penalties which again is not safe for us, hence we are forced to avoid that at all costs,” he added.

Quizzed on why he did not include newly recruited Gaborone United’s Mothusi Cooper in his squad, Mpote explained that the he was not allowed to play in the tournament because he was still regarded as an international player.

He, however, said the player could be available should the Zebras qualify for the African Championships finals.

Mpote promised Batswana a better performance in Madagascar.ENDS