Crunch time

 

After beating Mozambique 2-1 before a 40,000-strong crowd at the Machava Stadium in Maputo on Sunday, Tshosane said that it is important for Batswana to show massive support for the Zebras tomorrow. The Zebras are surprisingly placed at the top of Group Seven with four points. A win against second-placed group favourites Ivory Coast this weekend will strengthen the Zebras' bid for a historic qualification for the African Cup of Nations - and may be the World Cup. 'It is important for them (supporters) to rally behind us as they will act as the 12th player. Their presence will motivate the players to do better. Much as they (supporters) are concerned about the results, we are also concerned and we are going to try our best to win the game,' said Tshosane who was appointed a fortnight ago to replace the fired Colwyn Rowe. He added that after the hard-fought victory over the Mambas of Mozambique, a win over the Elephants will improve the chances of qualification. 'We have put our win over Mozambique behind us and we are focusing on the upcoming games. Everything is fine in camp because even the players who had knocks have recovered,' said the tactician.

He told Mmegi Sport that there is no pressure on his side ahead of tomorrow's game. Tshosane asserted that he would be worried if they had lost in Maputo but the win has eased pressure and they are going to approach the Elephant's game with a positive attitude.

He is aware that the Zebras are underdogs but he has confidence in his charges. He met with Mochudi Centre Chiefs' striker, Jerome Ramatlhakwana yesterday but the player has been ruled out because of injury. The striker has just signed for South African Premier League side Santos. He was sent packing from the Zebras' camp after differences with Rowe. 'It is a pity that he (Ramatlhakwana) has been tainted. The truth of the matter is that he is injured and as we speak, he is still taking medication. Mogogi (Gabonamong) is at home and would only be in Gaborone at the weekend. This means we will have to do with the players who travelled to Mozambique,' Tshosane said. Botswana will once again rely on the inspiration of goalkeeper Modiri Marumo, veteran striker Dipsy Selolwane, midfielder Boitumelo Mafoko and defender Mompati Thuma to deliver another shocking result. Though he did not play against Mozambique, Dirang Moloi is another player who can be called on to do the damage in the middle of the pack.

If the Zebras approach tomorrow's game like the one in Maputo, then the Elephants can be assured of a tough 90 minutes. The Zebras' were highly charged against Mozambique and it did not come as a surprise when they pulled an unexpected victory.

Ivory Coast players are said to be under pressure from home fans following their goalless draw away to Madagascar and it did not come as a surprise when they arrived in Gaborone on Wednesday. Though they do not have six of their key players in Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Bakary and Arouna Kone, Arouna Dindane and Salomon Kalou, the West Africans have brought a formidable 23-member squad. Some of the stars who are with the team are Arsenal defenders Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Didier Zokora. Eight of the players who are in the team are part of the Under-23 side, which has qualified for the Olympic Games. Ivory Coast are currently ranked fourth in Africa while Botswana is 28th. Referees for tomorrow's game are from Uganda.

Tickets started selling at different outlets in Gaborone on Wednesday morning. Grand stands go for P50, Pandamatenga stand is P30 and the rest of the stands are P20. Kick off is 3pm.