15 Nov 2024

Mauritania goalkeeper Niasse Babacar denied the Zebras victory with a string of brilliant second half saves in a tightly contested 2025 AFCON qualifiers match this afternoon.

The lanky goalkeeper pulled off two unbelievable saves from Omaatla Kebatho  and one from Segolame Boy as the match finished 1-1 at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

The match, watched by President Advocate Duma Boko and Vice President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe, began with a bang as Mauritania's Aboubakary Koita stunned the hosts with a thunderous free-kick in the seventh minute which left Zebras goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko with no chance.

The goal momentarily silenced the crowd, which was rooting for the Zebras victory and qualification to the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

The Zebras however fought back with courage and determination, and striker Tumisang Orebonye had a chance ruled offside, prompting a roar of disapproval by supporters.

The hosts persistence finally paid off when Gilbert Baruti expertly volleyed home a loose ball in the 22nd minute to bring the score to 1-1.

The crowd erupted, the Zebras roared, and the momentum shifted back in favour of the home side. A tense first half ended with the two teams level.

The Zebras came back for the second half hungry for a goal. Ten minutes in, Baruti earned a freekick outside the box, only to be denied by a diving save from Babacar.

Seeking more firepower, Zebras interim coach Morena Ramoreboli brought in Omaatla Kebatho and Gift Moyo for Baruti and Thabang Sesinyi.

The momentum shifted slightly as goalscorer Koita unleashed a powerful shot that sailed just over the crossbar.

The tension increased as time ticked away with the Zebras dominating and eager to score the second goal. They created a number of good chances in the late stages of the match but lanky goalkeeper Babacar stood between them and victory.

Babacar pulled off two brilliant saves from substitute Kebatho and a wonderful save in the dying moments to deny Segolame Boy as it finished all square.

The Zebras are still in second place with seven points from five matches, while Mauritania have four points from five matches.

Meanwhile, Egypt and Cape Verde have played to a one all draw in another Group C encounter. This result means that Botswana should aim for at least a draw against Egypt next week to make sure of qualification.

Ends.