By Admin,

Kenya U23 suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Botswana young Zebras in the first leg of the African U23 championship qualifiers played on Friday night at the Lobatse Sports complex in Gaborone,Botswana..

The game that was slightly delayed begun like a house on fire as both sides went for each other in an exciting build up that failed to produce goals with Kenyan striker John Ndirangu being a thorn in the flesh of the Zebras .

The game went into the break with both sides scoreless but upon resumption the Zebras came back charged  seemingly buoyed by the half time pep talk by coach Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul as they breathed fire from the onset of the whistle by Zimbabwean referee  Norman Matenera.

Dangerman Omaatla “Dunga” Kebatho fired Botswana ahead with as neat finish in the 50^th minute from a Kabelo Seakanyeng sublime assist to beat Kenya’s keeper Ian Otieno from close range as the Zebras went ahead.

5 minutes later Botswana added the second goal with Kabelo Seakanyeng again being the provider as Onkabetse Makgantai finished off with a beautiful goal to give Botswana a deserved 2-0 goal advantage as Kenya’s defence crumbled with pressure from the Zebra’s .

Omaantla “Dunga”Kebatho completed his brace in the 86^th minute leaving the entire defence napping after another beautiful pass from Seakanyeng to beat keeper Ian Otieno who remained rooted in the same spot .

Kenya suffered a setback late in the game  when John Wanyonyi was red carded by referee Norman Matenera for a rough challenge earning a straight red card.

Kenya find  themselves in a quagmire as they will need to score 4 goals in the second leg to be played in Nairobi on May 9^th 2015.

Kenya Starting XI vs Botswana

1.Ian Otieno,Robinson Kamura,David Wanaina,Vincent Otieno,Vincent Odongo,Collins Shivashi,Antony Mbugua,Victor Ndinya,Stephen Wakanya,John Ndirangu and John Wanyonyi

Coach:Bobby Williamson

BoBotswana XI vs Kenya

1.Goitseone Phoko,Tapiwa ‘Navara’ Gadibolae,Kaone Van Der Westhuizen,Bogosi ‘Resco’ Kaekwe,Mosha ‘Fanta’ Gaolaolwe,Lebogang ‘Tally’ Ditsele ,Kabelo ‘Skhebo’ Seakanyeng,Letlhogonolo ‘Butcher’ Senwelo,Omatla ‘Dunga’ Kebatho ,Thatayaone ‘Popo’ Ramatlapeng,Mpho ‘Poster’ Kgaswane

COACH: Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com