09 Oct 2024

The senior national team, Zebras, will trot into foreign territory on Thursday afternoon as they face the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in a Group C clash during a Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. 

This is a must win game for the Zebras to keep their hopes in the campaign alive. They have played and lost two games against Mauritania and Egypt so far. 

On the other hand, the Blue Sharks have won one game against Mauritania and lost against Egypt, and they occupy position two in the group. They are likely to come out with guns blazing to take three valuable points from the visiting Zebras. 

The clash promises to be a marvel to watch as both sides will be hunting for the crucial points to improve their log standing. Zebras have Kabelo Seakanyeng and Tumisang Orebonye as forwards expected to trouble the Blue Sharks defence searching for the goals. Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and Moshe Gaololawe will have to keep the fast Cape Verde attackers at bay so that they do not trouble their goal posts. 

The Zebras head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa is also aware that this is a make or break clash and they will have to do all to salvage the three points. In an interview, he said he was happy that his players were committed, and they both know that it was their last chance to redeem themselves.

“I am motivated; I think we can do something special. We have analysed our opponents and they are a good team. They played the last four AFCONs so it means they are a strong nation in football,” he said. 

Furthermore, the coach said despite the domestic league having started late, and the players not having enough game time, they would try to represent the country with dignity

Cape Verde has prolific strikers in the likes of Dailon Livramento, who plies his trade at the Serie A club, Hellas Verona, in Italy and Willy Semedo Cypriot of First Division club, Omonia in Cyprus who can keep the Zebras defence busy.  Ends