Likuena stand between Zebras and COSAFA Cup final
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday June 5, 2019 14:45
The Zebras take on Lesotho's Likuena (The Crocodiles) at the picturesque Moses Mabhida Stadium at 5pm today.
Botswana's only appearance in the COSAFA Cup final was in 2016, where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Namibia.
Caretaker coach, Mogomotsi 'Teenage' Mpote has done exceedingly well after being thrown into the hot seat following the sacking of David Bright in February.
The underrated Mpote has three wins from four games, and will present the Botswana Football Association (BFA) with a fresh headache as the mother body looks for a substantive coach.
The Zebras are favourites to go through at the expense of Lesotho, particularly after coming from 2-0 down to dump out hosts, South Africa out of the tournament on Sunday.
But Lesotho has been making unnoticed but considerable strides over the years, and their crisp passing might present a challenge to the Zebras.
Likuena booted out tournament guests, Uganda on penalties after a 0-0 deadlock in regulation time.
It should be an exciting semi final, with the Zebras hoping lanky midfielder, Lebogang Ditsele, will spark as he did against Bafana Bafana.
Ditsele, who has had a stint at South Africa's Highlands Park, was outstanding, pulling strings in midfield. Tally's impressive movement with the ball, eventually brought an otherwise subdued Segolame Boy into life in the second half, and the Zebras sprung into a full gallop.
Mpote has thrown diminutive Mothusi Cooper into the starting line-up, as he goes for the jugular. The Township Rollers' live wire was a second half substitute against South Africa, and made an immediate impact. Fortunate Thulare has been sacrificed for Gofaone Mabaya.
Botswana and Lesotho have met 29 times, with the Zebras winning 13 times to Likuena's five.
Zebras' starting line-up:
Morake, Johnson, Leinanyane, Ditlhokwe, Gaolaolwe, Ditsele, Cooper, Boy, Mabaya, Setsile, Mogorosi