Zebras Break Bafana Hoodoo, Advance To COSAFA Semis

Kabelo Boranabi | Monday June 3, 2019 16:11

 

The two teams were locked 2-2 at regulation time and the local boys needed the lottery of the penalty shoot-outs to get the first win in 13 years over their Southern African neighbours.

The first 10 minutes did not produce any sparks but South Africa had a couple of free kicks which did not trouble Ezekiel Morake. The home side were ahead after 19 minutes as Teboho Mokoena found Luther Singh with through ball. The winger showed great composure and beat Morake to the far post. Nine minutes later, the Zebras were 2-0 down as Grant Margeman from just in front of the penalty area, beat Morake to the far post.

On the 35 minutes, Joel Mogorosi was superbly denied by the goalkeeper from a headed effort as moments later Thero Setsile broke away with pace but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper. At half time, the Zebras were behind by two goals.

In the early stages of the second half, Gilbert Baruti was replaced by Gofaone Mabaya. The change breathed life into the team’s play. The home side pulled one back on the 61st minute as Lebogang Ditsele rose highest to meet Segolame Boy’s corner kick.

The local boys enjoyed a lion’s share of the ball possession but could not break into the final third. With the last kick of the match, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe levelled matters with a header from Boy’s corner kick to take the game to the penalty shootouts.  Morake became a hero on the day, as he guessed right to save Mokoena’s kick before Mothusi Johnson converted the last kick to send the Zebras through with a famous victory over their perennial tormenters. The team will meet Lesotho in the semifinals on Wednesday.