Africa-Press – Botswana. A battle of David and Golliath is expected at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Morocco when the senior national football team, Zebras lock horns with Les Lions de la Teranga of Senegal in their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening game tomorrow.
The Zebras, lowest ranked team in the tournament and the number two in Africa, Senegal, are in Group D, together with Democratic Republic of Congo and Benin. Going into the game as underdogs can work for the Zebras as they will be playing against a team made up of players who ply their trade in professional league as at some point, they have watched them play.
While some football pundits are warning against Sadio Mane, one lethal player to watch for is left back, Lliman Ndiaye. On the Zebras’ side, Mosha Gaolaloolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and company are expected to keep the enemy at bay.
Asked about the pressure of playing against number two in Africa, head coach, Morena Ramoreboli said in an interview that they were ready to fight for the country, adding that players’ spirit was high.
In his entire football career as a coach, he said he had been an underdog opponent.
“I think I have learnt to survive that space. I always tell players to embrace the opportunity of being regarded as underdogs, because that is the only time they can make a name, leave a mark and be taken seriously,” he said.
“The boys are ready and we will do our best to make sure that we reach the level of football and coemption where everybody will be very proud of us,” he added.
He further said the team was injury free, though some players had minor knocks when preparing for the tournament.
“From training, and friendly games, players would have minor knocks, but we have everybody ready,” he said.
In their preparations against Tunisia, he said they managed to achieve their mandate given that they managed to score, defended well and played as a unit. Also, he said they managed to withstand and resisted the pressure. Overall, he said it was a good preparation.
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