17 Oct 2023

The Zebras wrapped up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a hard fought 2-1 victory over eSwatini in an international friendly match played at Lobatse Sport Complex on Monday.

The victory against the motivated eSwatini team, which drew 0-0 with South Africa in its last match on October 10, would surely inject the Zebras with much needed confidence ahead of the coming two qualifying matches against Mozambique on November 13 and Guinea on November 20.

On Monday, the middle field trio of Gape Mohutsiwa, Kutlwelo Mpolokang and Gilbert Baruti controlled possession well as coach Mogomotsi Mpote’s team dominated the visitors in the first half.

However, the Zebras lacked sharpness upfront to turn their dominance into goals. Baruti however tested the goalkeeper Xolani Gama with a low shot in the 19^th minute, before the Zebras took the lead eight minutes later through a stunning Tumisang Orebonye header.

Algeria-based striker, Orebonye headed home a delivery into the penalty area from Thatayaone Ditlhokwe with goalkeeper Gama slow to deal with the ball.

Sloppier defending by eSwatini five minutes later presented the Zebras with glorious opportunity to double the lead, but Gama pulled off a double save from Orebonye’s tame shot and a follow up attempt by Segolame Boy.

An impressive string of passes towards the end of the first half resulted with Benson Mangolo pulling the ball back for Boy inside the penalty area, but the Township Rollers maestro was denied once again by the goalkeeper.

The missed opportunities came back to haunt the Zebras 11 minutes into the second half when sloppy marking by centre backs Ditlhokwe and Mosha Gaolaolwe allowed striker Neliso Myeni a chance to bury a header past goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

However, the Zebras responded positively to the setback with second half substitute Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele crashing a shot against the posts.

Orebonye then controlled a brilliant pass from Ngele and released another substitute Lemogang Maswena to hit the winner in the 79^th minute.

In an interview, Mpote said he was happy with how his team played from the back, through the midfield and how it changed transitions when approaching the final third. ENDs