How Zebras fared against Ethiopia
| Tuesday June 11, 2013 00:00
Kabelo Dambe - 6He did not have much to do despite conceding two goals. He should have done better to stop Ethiopia's second goal. Saladin Seid realised that Dambe was way out of his line and curled the ball around him as the Zebras were trying to push for an equaliser.
Tshepo Motlhabankwe - 6Talk Talk had a relatively good game on the right although he did not offer much more than what he normally does going forward. He read the game well and was solid defensively.
Edwin Olerile - 6Olerile had a torrid time against Ethiopia's nippy winger, Shemeles Bekele but he managed to cope as the game progressed. He also looked sharp going forward especially after the introduction of Galabgwe Moyana on the left wing in the second half.
Ndiyapo Letsholathebe - 5He struggled to control his area like he normally does. He seems to play much better against physical sides. He was replaced early in the second half.
Mompati Thuma - 6The Zebras' captain made some timely interceptions and did a good job on Seid although the tall Ethiopian managed to get into the score sheet in the dying minutes of the first half.
Jackie Mothatego - 7He has not been a regular for the senior national team but looked comfortable after being thrown into the deep end, with two Zebras holding midfielders, Ofentse Nato and Mogogi Gabonamong absent. He rarely lost possession although he offered little defensively.
Joel Mogorosi - 4The usually reliable speedy winger was not at his best on Saturday. The Ethiopians seemed to have planned their match around him. They gave him little space until he was substituted in the second half.
Dirang Moloi - 8An exceptional performance from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) based player! Malam as Moloi is affectionately known to his supporters did everything right on the day and was let down by poor finishing from his teammates.
Jerome Ramatlhakwana - 5JJ was running a lot but did not get clear scoring opportunities that he would have liked. He was replaced in the second half as coach Stanley Tshosane looked for fresher legs.
Mogakolodi Ngele - 7Besides the one-on-one chance that he failed to bury, he combined well with Moloi going forward and looked dangerous every time he approached the box.
Phenyo Mongala - 6Although he is yet to return to his best, Mongala showed flashes of brilliance and experience on the wing. He had a hand in the Zebras goal, quickly spotted Moyana's run on the left wing and released him on time.
Substitutes: Oscar Ncenga - 7Ncenga came in the 51st minute, replacing Letsholathebe and quickly got involved. He never put his foot wrong and Zebras looked solid at the back after his introduction.
Tebogo Sembowa - 6Sembowa proved once again that he is one of the best finishers in the team. He put himself in a good position and finished off Moyana's cross with a good header.
Galabgwe Moyana - 7He replaced Mogorosi in the second half and moved to the left while Mongala switched to the right.Besides the assistance he provided for Sembowa's goal, Moyana was involved in many attacks in the second half as the Zebras pushed to reduce the deficit. He is slowly launching himself as one of the future key players for the Zebras.