Posted by Jerry Zingwevu 2009-10-21

...as group B remains wide open

Botswana arose from the ashes after Sunday's crippled show against surprise packages Comoros Islands to snatch a 1-0 victory against Swaziland in a COSAFA senior challenge match played yesterday at Barbourfields stadium.

After a fizzled first half from both teams, the match finally came alive in the second half and it was not long before the 'Zebras' of Botswana opened the scoresheet in the 55th minute through a well executed header by Malepa Bolelenag. The big striker who sat it out in the first game against Comoros rose high above the Swazi defence to nod in a headed pass by Mokgathi Mokgathi from the blind side. The move started with a perfect corner by man-of-the-match, Pontsho Moloi which found Mokgathi on the blind side and the latter brought the ball back into play with a header which was converted by Bolelenag.

Six minutes after the goal, Botswana's best man on the pitch, Moloi was back again to haunt 'Sihlangu' but his set piece was tipped over the bar by Thokozani Mkhulisi in goals for Swaziland. In the 67th minute, Botswana thought they had wrapped up the game with another goal but Onalethata Tshekiso's goal was disallowed for offside after he was set up by Moloi. “Sihlangu” almost had a chance to equalise in the 72nd minute but skipper, Mxolisi Mtsefwa's header sailed over the bar off a set piece delivery from left back, Raphael Ntimane. During the last quarter of the game, Swaziland tried to put a fight from all cylinders in search for the all important equaliser but the pressure came in late as the goal proved to be elusive as the game dragged to the end.

“Sihlangu” definitely lacked the urgency they exhibited in their come back fight against Seychelles in the first game. This was evidenced by the negative body language which the players showcased. Swaziland coach, Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba attributed the loss to his players' attitude towards the game. He blamed his players for what he called lack of big match temperament. “ We lacked the match temperament which we had in the first game. In games like these, you need players with a big match temperament”, she said. Commenting on his team's chances, Mashaba said that there is still everything to play for and his team was still in with a chance. “ The group is still open. There is a game to go and we have to win at all costs in the last game”, he added.

As if Botswana's win was not enough, Comoros completed a day of upsets with a polished display against fellow Islanders, Seychelles, beating the Richard Holmund coached side 2-1 to top the group. Comoros are on top with 4 points from two games followed by Botswana who have the same number of points but occupy second spot because of an inferior goal difference. Swaziland are in third place with three points while Seychelles remain winless at the bottom of group B. Swaziland have to beat Comors in their last game and hope for draw or a loss for Botswana in the other match featuring Botswana and Seychelles.