03 Jul 2024

Senior national football team, the Zebras  have bowed out of the HOLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup after a 1-3 defeat against Mozambique on Tuesday.

The Zebras had accumulated two points after consecutive zero-all draws against eSwatini and the hosts South Africa.

The local boys solo goal was netted by Tebogo Kopelang in the match against Mozambique, but were undone by a red card in the dying minutes of the first half.

However, their tactics and attitude was good until the last minute as they played as a unit.

Coach Didier Da Rosa said they started the game well with an offensive 3-5-2 system that put their opponents under pressure in the first half, but that the two yellow cards, which were awarded to one of their playmaker, were costly. 

He said despite being a man down in the second half they did not give up and mounted some counterattacks, which created scoring opportunities although they could not utilise them. 

“The players gave their all against Mozambique and I am very proud of them,” he said.

He said despite not progressing in the tournament, they had learned some lessons from the competition, adding that some of the players were ready to play in the AFCON qualifiers. 

“We will come back stronger in the next edition,” he said. Ends