The 21-year-old was given his debut in a CAF Champions League clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis and was one of the bright sparks in a dismal performance by Galaxy over the weekend. The hosts suffered a 3-0 loss against the Tunisian side in a match played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, but Brown impressed with several good saves.
Brown started ahead of seasoned campaigners Ezekiel Morake and Anthony Gouws. “Part of our principle at Jwaneng Galaxy is to make sure that we develop and produce quality players, which is one thing we have done. As much as I want to win trophies, I also have a duty to help young players to grow. Brown’s selection was influenced by the fact that he has been doing very well at training.
He has been very consistent. He did exceptionally well today,” Ramoreboli said in a post-match interview. He added: “Young players have to be given an opportunity to gain international experience and by doing that (giving them the exposure) we are helping the Zebras. My principle is very simple; let us develop players who show potential. If we don’t play Brown and use two goalkeepers, we are killing him.” Esperance were entirely dominant on Saturday and found the back of the net as early as the 13th minute when Nigerian forward Kingsley Eduwo scored with a neat header after connecting with a fine cross from Raed Fadaa. Galaxy never really settled in the match.
They were again punished for their tardiness at the back in the 31st minute when another Nigerian, Anayo Lwuala scored with a low shot from within the goal area after he capitalised on miscommunication between Brown and defender Boikobo Osupile.
The hosts only had two shots on target in the first stanza of the match, but they were not that threatening. Eduwo sealed his brace in 65th minute when his low ground shot that went under Brown’s arms after he had shrugged of pressure from defenders to create space for himself inside the box.
That was after he had received a smart pass by Ghaylen Chaleli. Jwaneng Galaxy did have a few neat exchanges in the second half but that was not enough to pose any danger to the Tunisian side. Their most notable chance came in the 83rd minute when Thabang Sesinyi navigated his way past the defenders, but his well-taken shot went inches wide. Esperance have now secured a spot in quarterfinal with 11 points from five matches.
They are yet to test defeat in this edition of the CAF Champions League. On the other hand, Galaxy have only managed a solitary home draw from the competition after five matches. They are bottom of the group.
The Teams:
Galaxy: Brown, Boikobo Osupile, Lesego Keredilwe, Savio Kabugo, Gape Mohutshiwa, Mpho Kgomo, Thabang Sesinyi, Thabang Mooketsi, Tebogo Sembowa, Thabo Leinanyane, Themba Dladla
Esperance: Moez Cherifa, Mohammed Tougai, Mohammed Romdhane, Sabir Bougrine, Kingsley Eduwo, Fousenny Kholebaly, Anayo Iwuala, Ilyes Cheti, Chaylen Chaleli, Abdelkader Bedrane, Raed El Fadaa
Jwaneng Galaxy 0 Esperance 3 (Eduwo 13th, 65th, Lwuala 31st)
