Africa-Press – Eswatini. “I always expect fireworks when we play Eswatini.”
These were the words of Botswana’s Zebras gaffer Mogomotsi Mpote in a post-match interview after watching his charges beating a hapless Sihlangu 1-0 in the 2023 Hollywoodbets Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Cup group opener on Wednesday at the King Zwelithini Stadium here in Durban, South Africa. Botswana broke the deadlock just 23 minutes into the game through the lanky Lebohang Ditsele, who volleyed a cross into the net. This goal went on to be the difference between the two sides.
“The boys came to the party and I am happy that we won as each time we play against Eswatini I expect fireworks. I really respect Coach Dominic,” Mpote said. He also said the first half was evenly balanced, but was impressed by the way his players handled the game, as they created more scoring chances than their much experienced counterparts.
Boost
“I’m happy for the boys as most of them were getting their first caps with the senior team; the win will boost them going to the next match against South Africa,” he said.He further said that he was not at any stage under pressure as he knew what he was doing, which is building for the future. Meanwhile, his counterpart in Sihlangu mentor Dominic Kunene said the game against Botswana was tough, but was happy that the players did create a few chances. “Going forward I will work from what we achieved here today as I saw that the players created chances,” Kunene said. Sihlangu will meet Namibia in their second game of Group A on Saturday at the same venue, with the likes of striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’Ndzinisa doubtful after sustaining a knee injury and was not at the training yesterday.
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