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| Lesotho bounced back against Botswana to get its first win of the 2016 #CosafaU20 |
Lesotho claimed a
welcome 1-0 win over Botswana on Saturday in its second COSAFA Under-20
Championships game thanks to Tšeliso Botsane’s late goal.
The victory at
the Mogwase Stadium raised the Makoanyane
XI’s spirits after a crushing 8-0 loss to hosts South Africa on Wednesday in
their opening Group A tie. However, despite the win Lesotho cannot qualify for
the semi-finals.
Only the four
group winners will make it to the semis and, thanks to a 1-0 win over Swaziland
on Friday, South Africa can’t be caught at the top of Group A no matter what
happens in Monday’s final round of matches.
Regardless of
the results, South Africa would have a better head-to-head record against
either Lesotho or Swaziland, the only two teams who can catch them on points.
Nevertheless,
the win over Botswana will be a relief to the Makoanyane XI after’s Wednesday’s embarrassing loss to South
Africa.
Lesotho coach Motlalepula
Majoro made four changes to his starting line-up from that 8-0 defeat for
Saturday’s second game.
In goals Jessy
Matsie replaced Monaheng Ramalefane. Relebohile Mabone, Tšepo Nqetho and
Botsane also dropped out while Rethabile Mokokoane, Bakuena Mothotjela and
Thabang Malane came in to replace them.
The changes
resulted in an improved and more energetic Makoanyane
XI display. Majoro’s charges started on the front foot against Botswana
with the young Zebras relying mostly on counterattacks.
Lesotho’s first opening
came in the 13th minute when Botswana goalkeeper Tumisang Selolwane produced a
smart save from Thabang Malane’s point-blank header.
However, the
first half had few clear-cut chances overall although Lesotho almost fell
behind in the 40th minute when captain Mohai Mohai nearly scored an
own goal while attempting to clear a cross from Botswana’s Tiroyaone Maome.
The pattern of
the game continued in the second half but it was Lesotho that finally got the
breakthrough. In the 83rd minute, substitute Botsane volleyed in after meeting
a cross from the left delivered by Bonang Mohapi.
The Makoanyane XI were made to sweat for the
win in the closing stages, however. Tshepho Malga fluffed two good
opportunities in succession for Botswana. First, he headed against the bar then,
from the rebound, he headed over Matsie’s goals.
Lesotho
starting XI v Botswana: Jessy Matsie, Itumeleng Leche, Mohai
Mohai ©, Rethabile Mokokoane, Bakuena Mothotjela, Khubetsoana Kamela,
Lehlohonolo Fothoane, Bonang Mohapi, Moalosi Mosoeu, Rasetabele Kalosane,
Thabang Malane
Group A
07/12 – 14:00: Swaziland 2-0 Botswana (Moruleng Stadium)
07/12 – 19:30: South Africa 8-0 Lesotho (Moruleng Stadium)
09/12 – 14:00: South Africa 1-0 Swaziland (Moruleng Stadium)
10/12 – 17:30: Lesotho 1-0 Botswana (Mogwase Stadium)
12/12 – 17:00: Lesotho v Swaziland (Mogwase Stadium)
12/12 – 17:00: Botswana v South Africa (Moruleng Stadium)
07/12 – 14:00: Swaziland 2-0 Botswana (Moruleng Stadium)
07/12 – 19:30: South Africa 8-0 Lesotho (Moruleng Stadium)
09/12 – 14:00: South Africa 1-0 Swaziland (Moruleng Stadium)
10/12 – 17:30: Lesotho 1-0 Botswana (Mogwase Stadium)
12/12 – 17:00: Lesotho v Swaziland (Mogwase Stadium)
12/12 – 17:00: Botswana v South Africa (Moruleng Stadium)
Standings
P
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
GF
|
GA
|
GD
|
Pts.
|
||
1
|
South Africa
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
9
|
0
|
9
|
6
|
2
|
Swaziland
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
Lesotho
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
8
|
-7
|
3
|
4
|
Botswana
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
3
|
-3
|
0
|
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