Tapiwa Khumbuyani and Phenyo Mongala
A makeshift Zimbabwe held Africa Cup of Nations debutantes Botswana to a goalless draw in a lacklustre international friendly soccer match played at the University of Botswana Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana yesterday.
There was little to write home about in the first half with both teams seemingly sizing each other up.
Botswana only made their first attempt at goal 20 minutes into the game after FC Platinum target Joel Mogorosi spotted Washington Arubi off his line cleverly chipped the ball only to miss the target by a few inches.
Dynamos defender Guthrie Zhokinyi had his header saved in the 26th minute in what was the Warriors’ first chance.
There was little to write home about in the first half with both teams seemingly sizing each other up.
Botswana only made their first attempt at goal 20 minutes into the game after FC Platinum target Joel Mogorosi spotted Washington Arubi off his line cleverly chipped the ball only to miss the target by a few inches.
Dynamos defender Guthrie Zhokinyi had his header saved in the 26th minute in what was the Warriors’ first chance.
Botswana came back a rejuvenated side in the second half, but failed to convert from the several chances they created.
The entire second half belonged to the hosts as they limited Zimbabwe to their own half.
Newly-signed Bay United striker, Moemedi Maotlhaping almost got a goal for Botswana shortly after coming on in the 81st minute, but had his cracker parried over the bar by Arubi. The reigning Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year, Arubi, was again called into action two minutes later when tipping over a free header from Mogakolodi “Tsotso” Ngele.
The best scoring chance of the day fell to Township Rollers’ striker Onalethata Tshekiso five minutes before the end of the match after an excellent Maotlhaping cross. The bulky striker’s header went wide after ejecting an estimated 6 500 fans off their seats.
Warriors coach Norman Mapeza said he was happy with his charges’ performance. He said using locally based stars would help widen his national team selection base ahead of the 2013 AFCON qualifiers.
“The guys did well especially considering they are coming from off-season. The first half was fantastic but in the second half they collapsed and we were so much under pressure,” he said.
FC Platinum-bound Mogorosi who captained the Zebras yesterday, felt his teammates put up a good display.
“It was a great game. We worked hard and followed the coach’s instructions but unfortunately we could not get a goal,” Mogorosi said in a post match interview.
"I'm not preparing for AFCON with Ghana in mind, that game is not much of a concern for me," Tshosane told MTNFootball.com.
"I was happy with the way the team performed especially in the second half.
"Unfortunately we failed to score a goal."
The entire second half belonged to the hosts as they limited Zimbabwe to their own half.
Newly-signed Bay United striker, Moemedi Maotlhaping almost got a goal for Botswana shortly after coming on in the 81st minute, but had his cracker parried over the bar by Arubi. The reigning Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year, Arubi, was again called into action two minutes later when tipping over a free header from Mogakolodi “Tsotso” Ngele.
The best scoring chance of the day fell to Township Rollers’ striker Onalethata Tshekiso five minutes before the end of the match after an excellent Maotlhaping cross. The bulky striker’s header went wide after ejecting an estimated 6 500 fans off their seats.
Warriors coach Norman Mapeza said he was happy with his charges’ performance. He said using locally based stars would help widen his national team selection base ahead of the 2013 AFCON qualifiers.
“The guys did well especially considering they are coming from off-season. The first half was fantastic but in the second half they collapsed and we were so much under pressure,” he said.
FC Platinum-bound Mogorosi who captained the Zebras yesterday, felt his teammates put up a good display.
“It was a great game. We worked hard and followed the coach’s instructions but unfortunately we could not get a goal,” Mogorosi said in a post match interview.
"I'm not preparing for AFCON with Ghana in mind, that game is not much of a concern for me," Tshosane told MTNFootball.com.
"I was happy with the way the team performed especially in the second half.
"Unfortunately we failed to score a goal."
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