Why Black Mambas bit Zebras
TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer
| Tuesday July 29, 2008 00:00
After losing to the Zebras 2-1 in the 2010 World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifier at the Machava Stadium in Maputo last month, it was clear from the onset that the Mambas were in an uncompromising mood. They dictated terms and punished the Zebras in the 18th minute when Momed Antonio Hagi headed home a beautiful corner from Carlos Chimomole. The Mambas attacked their opponents from all angles and left no doubt that they were out for nothing but an emphatic victory. The Zebras supporters had hope as they continued to sing and dance though their team failed to settle in the game. The Mambas killed off the Zebras resistance in referee's optional time when substitute Gerson Txuma tapped in from close range after a well-laid pass from another substitute Josimar Tiago Machaisse. But credit has to go to Mozambique captain Manuel 'Tico-Tico' Bucuane who held onto the ball before releasing Machaisse to set up the goal. The win ensured that Mozambique continue their dominance over the Zebras in the COSAFA Cup. The Mambas have now won all the three encounters with the Zebras in the regional tournament. On Sunday, Joel Mogorosi had chances to score for the Zebras, but was wasteful.
Zebras lacked coordination as midfield kingpin Dirang Moloi failed to open the Mambas defence with his usual killer passes. Upfront, the combination of Pontsho Moloi and Malepa 'Chippa' Bolelang did not work as they played far apart. This allowed the Mambas defence, led by Francisco Massinga to clear with ease. It took Botswana 30 minutes to have a shot on target. It was a harmless shot that did not trouble goalkeeper Marcelino Cumbane. Throughout the game, Botswana had only three shots on target. The Sunday game proved that the Zebras' attack is completely punchless without Dipsy Selolwane.
Zebras have failed to win an official game in the last three years without the veteran striker.
On Sunday, the Zebras had a potent attacking force that had Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge of Nico United and Mpho 'Jomo' Mabogo of Mochudi Centre Chiefs, but surprisingly, coach Stanley Tshosane started the duo on the bench. Considering that the Mozambicans have well-built defenders, it would have been wise to start with one of the two strikers.
Kgoboge was only introduced with 30 minutes to go and he had an excellent debut and definitely deserves another call-up.
After the match, Tshosane said they were too cautious in the opening half and allowed their opponents to control the tempo. He said that they tried to change in the second half in vain. 'What is worrying me is that we continue to concede goals from set-pieces yet we practice defending set-pieces time and again. Even before the game, we talked about how to deal with the situations, but it did not help. The other thing is that our midfield was too slow to join in attack,' he pointed out. Tshosane asserted that the team was done in by the fact that the combination of Moloi and Bolelang failed to work.
Bucuane who was voted man of the match, praised Botswana saying they have improved technically. He said that after falling to the Zebras in Maputo, they came with a better plan as they could not afford another loss. 'We worked hard and deserved to win,' he said.