Can the Zebras stir back to life?

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Thursday March 21, 2013 00:00

A win is a must for Stanley Tshosane's side if they still fancy their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, which will be for the very first time.On the other hand, if they lose, they might as well forget about Brazil. Zebras are currently lying at the bottom of their group, with a single point from two matches, while Ethiopia top the group with four points from two matches as well.

The group is still open though, considering that Central Africa Republic (CAR) and South Africa are second and third respectively with three and two points. However, reaching halfway of the group matches without a win would be a concern for any ambitious coach. Unlike in the past when Tshosane had complained of inadequate preparations, this time he acknowledged that preparations for the match went according to plan. 'So far I am satisfied with the preparations we had. Everything went well and we would be ready for Ethiopia,' Tshosane said after playing Malawi on Tuesday night.

The coach had a chance to try out some combinations as he continues in his quest to turn around the team's dwindling fortunes.Against Malawi, the Zebras for once showed some spark of brilliance, although they lacked that killer instinct upfront where Moemedi Moatlhaping started with Jerome Ramatlhakwana. It took some individual brilliance by substitute Jackie Mothatego to steal the win 15 minutes before time with a well-executed curler from outside the 18-yard box.

Tshosane's worry after the Malawi tie would be in central defence where skipper Mompati Thuma was paired with Obuile Ncenga in the absence of experienced campaigner Ndiyapo Letsholathebe. Thuma has lost pace over the years and Ncenga lacks international experience, something that was evident when Malawi launched several attacks direct at the defence. Tshosane should be thankful for goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe who made a number of good saves to keep Zebras in the game. At one point Malawi was coming in firing from all angles and it was the former Township Rollers keeper, who against all expectations, due to lack of game time at Platinum Stars outdid himself putting up a man of the match performance.

Veteran defender, Tshepo Motlhabankwe made a return to the team after falling out with the coach last year.Although he played less than 20 minutes before taking a knock, Namibia based left fullback, Pako Lekgari made a lasting impression, especially with some fine touches going forward before being replaced by Musa Ohilwe. Tshosane started the Malawi game with Alphonse Modisaotsile and Ofentse Nato in midfield.The two however seemed to struggle with the fast pace of the game and were replaced in the second half, with Nato also reportedly suffering from poor eyesight at night.

Playing on the right wing, Joel Mogorosi did not cause a lot of trouble for Malawi upfront, but helped a lot in defence and used his aerial ability to defend set pieces.It was however the introduction of Township Rollers attacking midfielder Ntesang 'Mirror' Simanyana that breathed life in the team's attack. Although the experience of Mogakolodi Ngele was missed in the second striker role, Simanyana provided Tshosane with more options. The pint-sized attacker pierced through the Malawian defence with ease and was involved in the build up to the goal.He also set up another substitute Galabgwe Moyana, whose effort hit the upright towards the end of the game. While it may be too early to read much into the Malawi win, a sigh of relief was breathed at last and hopefully the team can build onto the win and change their fortunes in the qualifiers.