13 Oct 2024

The senior national team, Zebras, has registered their first victory of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers campaign after a 1-0 win against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in a game played at Cabo Verde National Stadium on Thursday.

The two will meet again in a return match billed for Francistown tomorrow, and Zebras head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa said he was cognisant that Cape Verde would come guns blazing looking for revenge.

“The match is going to be very tough and we know they will want to correct their mistakes, but at the same time, we also need three valuable points to stay in the race,” he said.

During the game, an early goal in the fifth minute by Algerian based striker Tumisang Orebonye ensured Zebras occupied position four in the log standing of Group C.

It was evident that Zebras were on a mission to break the jinx, given that after the goal they displayed a much organised and solid defence.

Though they enjoyed ball possession; winning 18 corner kicks, five shot on target and 25 attempts, the Blue Sharks could not shake the Zebras defence.

Da Rosa said he was happy with his charge’s performance, adding that their determination and resilience made a difference in the end.

He said the match was tough, and Cape Verde played a good game, creating many scoring opportunities.

“The three points are very important for Botswana, and I am very proud of my players.  They knew before the match, that it was my birthday, and this was the best birthday they have given me,” he said

Da Rosa praised Goitseone Phoko for making great saves, denying the host to score in their own backyard.

“But in the end, credit goes to all my players because it was impossible to organise a local camp before this match,” he said. Ends