Zimbabwe started their campaign of the U-20 AFCON 2017 qualifiers on a low note after succumbing to a lone goal home defeat to Botswana on Sunday in Bulawayo.
A 67th minute header by Goitseone Legopelo was enough for the visitors to complete a shocking victory ahead of the return leg in a fortnight at home.
The match started on a promising note for the hosts with linkman Peace Makaha, arguably the best man on the pitch, producing brilliant passes after taking control of the midfield.
The Young Warriors were the better side throughout the first half, but lacked the killer instinct from forwards Bukhosi Sibanda, Blessing Sibanda and Thomas Kadyaridzire, whilst Botswana goalie Tumisang Selolwani also pulled a couple of saves.
Sibanda, Blessing Sibanda and Kadyaridzire looked lively in the first half, asking the visitors defence several questions but were frustrated by Selolwane’s outstanding performance.
The real chance of the game came in the first minute when Kadyaridze’s effort was cleared off the line by Alford Velaphi with Selolwane well beaten.
Young Warriors goalkeeper Tinotenda Ali was it his best on 34 minutes tipping over a well-taken free-kick by the visitors. However, lucked finally smiled at Botswana on 67 minutes when Legopelo headed home the winner on 67 minutes.
Young Zebras coach Philemon Makwengwe admitted it was a tough test but was pleased with the result.
“It was a tough game, they were very quick and didn’t give us time to settle. They didn’t give us time to study them,” remarked the Botswana trainer.
Zimbabwe coach Jairos Tapera attributed the defeat to poor preparations in the build up to the game.
“My boys did very well. We didn’t get any threat from the opposition but our strikers let us down. Scoring is an art, but if you did not get time to train that is what you get,” noted Tapera.
Results
Friday, 1 April 2016
Tunisia 3-0 Niger
Saturday, 2 April 2016
Sierra Leone 0-2 Gambia
Rwanda 1-1 Uganda
Mozambique 1-0 Mauritius
Swaziland 2-2 Namibia
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Liberia 0-2 Guinea
Algeria 2-1 Mauritania
Sudan 1-1 Kenya
Zimbabwe 0-1 Botswana
Ethiopia 2-1 Somalia
The match started on a promising note for the hosts with linkman Peace Makaha, arguably the best man on the pitch, producing brilliant passes after taking control of the midfield.
The Young Warriors were the better side throughout the first half, but lacked the killer instinct from forwards Bukhosi Sibanda, Blessing Sibanda and Thomas Kadyaridzire, whilst Botswana goalie Tumisang Selolwani also pulled a couple of saves.
Sibanda, Blessing Sibanda and Kadyaridzire looked lively in the first half, asking the visitors defence several questions but were frustrated by Selolwane’s outstanding performance.
The real chance of the game came in the first minute when Kadyaridze’s effort was cleared off the line by Alford Velaphi with Selolwane well beaten.
Young Warriors goalkeeper Tinotenda Ali was it his best on 34 minutes tipping over a well-taken free-kick by the visitors. However, lucked finally smiled at Botswana on 67 minutes when Legopelo headed home the winner on 67 minutes.
Young Zebras coach Philemon Makwengwe admitted it was a tough test but was pleased with the result.
“It was a tough game, they were very quick and didn’t give us time to settle. They didn’t give us time to study them,” remarked the Botswana trainer.
Zimbabwe coach Jairos Tapera attributed the defeat to poor preparations in the build up to the game.
“My boys did very well. We didn’t get any threat from the opposition but our strikers let us down. Scoring is an art, but if you did not get time to train that is what you get,” noted Tapera.
Results
Friday, 1 April 2016
Tunisia 3-0 Niger
Saturday, 2 April 2016
Sierra Leone 0-2 Gambia
Rwanda 1-1 Uganda
Mozambique 1-0 Mauritius
Swaziland 2-2 Namibia
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Liberia 0-2 Guinea
Algeria 2-1 Mauritania
Sudan 1-1 Kenya
Zimbabwe 0-1 Botswana
Ethiopia 2-1 Somalia
By: Cafonline.com
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