The two sides faced off on Saturday at the National Stadium.
Though Botswana lost on penalties, the tie between them and Bafana Bafana proved to be worthwhile watching as the legends of the game showed that they still have it in them to kick the ball.
The tie, however, started on a low pace with the two teams failing to string one or two passes.
On the 15th minute, Mathew Booth, who was the fans’ favourite, came close to handing Bafana Bafana the lead from close-range. But Kagiso Tshelametsi showed his class by pulling off an acrobatic save. Botswana legends enjoyed most of the time on the ball but decisions on the final third were their downfall. On the 19th minute, Siphiwe Tshabalala won a penalty for his side after showing his skills inside the box and forced a hand ball from Mompati Thuma. Jabu Mahlangu, who was bestowed with the trust to convert the penalty, put it over the bar.
Moments after missing the penalty, Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock on the 21st minute courtesy of Steve Lekoelea who beat Tshelametsi from close range. Brian Baloyi, who was enjoying some quiet time in the office, was forced to come out of his posts to pull off a save from Sekhana Koko’s effort, who tried to chip the ball over him.
Botswana legends broke on attack once more but Pontsho Moloi flung the ball over the bar. With three minutes left to halftime, Tshelametsi was also forced to come out of his posts to break Bafana Bafana’s attack. Moments into the second half, Dirang Moloi totally missed a well-placed pass inside the box, which could have easily put them on level terms.
Tshabalala incessantly proved to be a thorn on Botswana’s defence as he twisted and turned to beat the whole defence but the final decision let him down. With time running out, Koko hit a long range shot hoping to catch substitute Moneeb Josephs napping but Josephs denied him. On the 61st minute, Jerome Ramatlhakwana forced off a save from Josephs who tipped the ball over the bar. Tshelametsi was once more called to task by Tshabalala who hit a powerful shot at him but he pulled off a superb save.
On the 75th minute, fans switched on their flashlights to savour in the moment of seeing their legends once more in the field of play. Just like Tshabalala, Dirang was troublesome to Bafana Bafana and proving to be a threat. Just when Bafana Bafana thought they had won it, Dirang struck late to hand Botswana the equalising goal.
He showed his class by composing himself to beat Josephs. The two teams went to penalties which Bafana Bafana won by 5-4. Koko, who was one of the organisers of Clash Of Legends, gave thanks to the fans that came through to see the legends. "I want to thank all the people that came out to support the course and I have to say today was really special.
Things went well, we played our hearts out and cannot ask for anything more," Koko said.
The teams: Botswana: Kagiso Tshelametsi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Mmusa Ohilwe, Mompati Thuma, Ndiapo Lesolathebe, Patrick Motsepe, Sekhana Koko, Boitumelo Mafoko (Steven Maposa), Jerome Ramatlhakwane (Tshepiso Molwantwa), Dirang Moloi, Pontsho Moloi (Tebogo Sosome). South Africa: Brian Baloyi (Moneeb Josephs), Lucky Lekgwathi, Cyrial Nzama, Matthew Booth, Morgan Gold, Derick Spencer (Tebogo Langerman), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Stanton Fredericks, Jabu Mahlangu, Steve Lekolea (Josta Dladla).
Botswana Legends 1 (4) Moloi D 88th) South Africa Legends 1 (5) Lekolea 21st)
