Angola book AFCON spot with win over Botswana

Friday Mar 22, 2019. 21:42

Angola beat Botswana 1-0 in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group I match at the Francistown Sports Complex in Botswana on Friday.

As a result, Palancas Negras qualified for the AFCON finals, while the Zebras ended a disappointing qualifying campaign winless.

The Zebras were hoping to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Angola in Luanda last year.

However, Botswana conceded 21 minutes into the match after the hosts' defence was exposed and they were punished by Wilson Eduardo.

The former Portugal youth international beat Ezekiel Morake to make it 1-0 to Angola after the Zebras had failed to clear their lines.

Palancas Negras came close to making it 2-0 when Michel Bastos hit the crossbar with a powerful free-kick.

Botswana then took control of the match, but they were wasteful as Onkabetse Makgantai's missed the target twice.

However, Baroka FC striker was able to put his effort on target just before half-time, but Angola keeper Tony Cabaca pulled off a great save to deny the attacker.

The score was 1-0 to Angola at the interval.

The Zebras came back rejuvenated following their half-time team talk with newly appointed coach Mogomotsi Mpote.

Thero Setsile had a great opportunity to score after the Palancas Negras defence had failed to clear their lines just after the hour mark.

However, Cabaca was alert in Angola goal-posts as he pulled off a great save to deny the left-footed attacker, who was looking to score with a header from close range.

Jwaneng Galaxy winger Setsile continued to torment the Palancas Negras defence as he fired just over the crossbar after winning the ball down the left-hand side.

Angola coach Srđjan Vasiljević introduced defensive-minded player Stélvio Rosa da Cruz in the closing stages of the game as the visitors looked to hold onto their lead.

Ultimately, Angola secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana, who could not grab a late equalizing goal.

Botswana (0) 0
Angola (1) 1 (Eduardo 21')

Botswana: Morake, Leinanyane, Ramoraka, Thulari, Ditlhokwe, Mohutshiwa, Makgantai (Mabaya 74'), Baruti (Orebonye 86'), Boy, Mogorosi, Setsile.

Angola: Tony Cabaca, Isaac, Show, Dani Massunguna (Gaspar 52'), Paízo, Bastos, Wilson Eduardo, Herenílson, Djalma, Fredy (Da Cruz 77'), Vetokele (Felix 56').