Senegal see-off Botswana in Gaborone

Senegal continued their winning spree beating Botswana 2-0 away in Gaborone in their Group E clash on Wednesday.

Botswana went into the game nursing a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tunisia three days earlier in Monastir, while their West African counter-parts came into the game boosted by their 2-0 thumping of Egypt.

Senegal started the game with vigour, forcing Botswana to play on the counter. The Teranga Lions probed the Botswana’s backline for the majority of the half with Sadio Mane serving a nuisance to the hosts defence and he got his reward with the opener on 32 minutes slotting past Botswana goalie Modiri Marumo.

Botswana were unsuccessful in their search for the equalizer allowing the Senegalese to go into recess with a lone goal lead.

The Zebars resumed with a spirited display as they sort out for the equalizing goal. In the 60th minute, coach Peter Butler made a two substitutions in succession bringing on attacking winger Kabelo Seakanyeng for right back Obonye Moswate and Galagbwe Moyana for left back Otlantshekela Mooketsi. The move sparked the Botswana attack, leading them to ask questions about the visitors defence, but Senegal goalie Bouna Coundoul stood firm.

On 83 minutes, a Mane cross found Dame Ndoye in the box and the towering midfielder’s shot deflected off a defender to beat Marumo to give the Teranga Lions a 2-0 goal cushion.

The goal deflated Botswana whose momentum dropped after the goal after conceding the second and the game breezed until the final whistle.

Despite the loss, Botswana coach Peter Butler believes that they are still in it with a chance as there are still four games to play.

“Like the saying goes ‘it’s not over until the fat lady sings’ and it’s not over until it’s mathematically over,” said a defiant Butler