Stubborn defence and unbelievable goalkeeping from youngster Kabelo Dambe helped the Zebras force an unexpected goalless draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an international friendly game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday evening.
The game was watched with keen interest by lots of people across the continent, especially after the Zebras became the first nation to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In the past years, not a single football follower would have thought that the Zebras can match the Nigerians in their own turf. The stadium in Western Nigeria was packed to capacity as it also marked the new era in Nigerian football after the appointment of new gaffer, Stephen Keshi.
The new head coach started with a star-studded line-up, which included, amongst others, captain Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Taye Taiwo (AC Milan, Italy), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England) and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (Lille, France).  
The Zebras were not intimidated as they competed until the end of the game, something which left most Nigerians disappointed. It was a tense game for the Zebras as the Nigerians dominated play for most part of the game. Credit has to go to the Zebras for absorbing pressure and not let almost 20,000 Nigerian supporters at the stadium intimidate them. On a given day, Nigeria could have buried the Zebras in an avalanche of goals but goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe and his defence remained firm. It is upfront where the Zebras were disappointing with star striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana looking out of sorts.
Commenting on the game, Zebras’ right-back, Tshepo ‘Talk-Talk’ Motlhabankwe, said that they played well considering that they were playing against a strong opposition backed by their passionate supporters. Motlhabankwe was in the firing line for the most part of the game as he had to deal with the talented duo of Taiwo and Ikechukwu Uche of Granada in the Spanish La Liga.
“We tried our best under normal circumstances though we were on the back pedal most of the time. We wanted to soak the pressure and catch them on a counter but unfortunately our plan failed,” he said.
Motlhabankwe pointed out that they have taken a lot of positives from the game against the Super Eagles and he is hopeful that what they learned would come in handy during the continental tournament.
“If we continue working hard, we can come up with positive results out there (AFCON) but my biggest worry is that we tend to give away possession too much. If we can rectify that, I think we’ll compete,” Motlhabankwe added, before boarding a flight to Niamey, Niger, on Monday morning. ┬á
The Zebras were scheduled to play Niger in another friendly game on Tuesday night before returning home.  
“All we need is the support of Batswana,” he concluded.
Former Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ striker, Kgosietsile ‘Parker’ Mampori, was impressed by the Zebras’ defence but remains worried about the attack. “There is no doubt that we defend well but we need to work on our attack. The other thing which needs immediate attention is the physical strength of our players because we were exposed against Nigerians. Apart from Dipsy (Selolwane) and Mogogi (Gabonamong), most of our players lack in their aspect which is dangerous. AFCON is going to be demanding,” warned Mampori.
Veteran Radio Botswana football commentator Sakaeyo Janie observed, “When you play an opposition which is stronger than you, it’s best to defend deep. If you want to go all out and attack them, you risk the chance of losing with a big margin. This is the same attitude which has helped us to qualify for AFCON.”
Janie pointed out that the Zebras are on the right track and warned against making lots of changes in the team which will take part in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
“We need to keep the spirit going because it’s too late to think about other things,” added Janie.
Extension Gunners’ assistant coach, Nelson Olebile, is a worried man after the Saturday’s game. He pointed out that the team gave away too much possession and were not convincing when going forward.
“If we do not have Plan B going to AFCON, I’m afraid that we’re going to be embarrassed. A team which can’t string four passes together causes concern,” he said.
