The Zebras will have to replicate their performance of the previous round if they are to eliminate Madagascar, which is the stimulation they need
BONGANI MALUNGA
Botswana’s senior national football team, the Zebras, are in need of a two-goal turnaround in the return leg of their 2023 CHAN Qualifiers second round tie against Madagascar on Friday.
Mogomotsi Mpote’s charges lost 1-0 in the first leg at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown last weekend.
Madagascar forward Fanomezantsoa Razanakoto broke the deadlock in the 17th minute to give his side a slender lead ahead of the second leg. The second round is the last hurdle before advancing to the group stage of the 2023 CHAN tournament.
An elusive away victory
The Zebras will have to replicate their performance of the previous round if they are to eliminate Madagascar, which is the stimulation they need.
Mpote’s side had failed to win in the first leg of the round one fixture against Eswatini but they managed to record a two-all draw away from home to prevail via the away goals rule.
The Zebras drew 0-0 against Eswatini before scoring twice in enemy territory through Godfrey Tauyatswala and Thero Setsile.
But the imminent task may even be more daunting because Botswana has never defeated Madagascar away from home in their total seven occasions locking horns. The Zebras have recorded only two wins and suffered four defeats.
The only draw between the two was in 2008 when they frustrated each other’s efforts to nought.
Zebras’ head to head record against Madagascar
RESULT VENUE/DATE COMPETITION
Won 1-0 Home (1 July 2000) 2002 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Lost 2-0 Away (15 July 2000) 2002 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Won 2-0 Home (20 May 2006) 2006 COSAFA Cup
Drew 0-0 Home (31 May 2008) 2010 World Cup Qualifiers
Lost 1-0 Away (7 September 2008) 2010 World Cup Qualifiers
Lost 2-1 Neutral venue (30 May 2015) 2015 COSAFA Cup
Lost 1-0 Home (27 August 2022) 2023 CHAN Qualifiers