Goitseone Phoko 8/10
Condemned to the bench for the match against Mozambique, with Kabelo Dambe preferred, the Jwaneng Galaxy shot stopper returned against Guinea and put on a sterling performance.
He became the last man of defence and the first man of attack. Phoko dominated his area, snuffing out danger and quickly releasing the ball to start the counter.
His confidence on the ball brought calm to the Zebras defence, and his ‘Andre Onana’ antics may just be what coach Da Rosa wants to build a strong side capable of competing against the best.
Benson Mangolo 7/10
One of the Zebras consistent players over the two WC qualifiers.
A typical modern-day left back, his marauding runs on the left unsettled the Guinea defence.
However, just like in the Mozambique game, he was let down by poor crossing.
He whipped a few decent balls in, but more often than not they were floated way beyond the boys in the box.
Mangolo needs to work on his final pass and he’ll easily become the king of assists in this team.
He’s without a doubt a very important player for Da Rosa.
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe 7/10
A rock at the back.
The captain put on another steely and calm performance against a dangerous Guinea attack.
TT marshalled his defence expertly and was in constant communication with his goalkeeper.
It was no surprise that West African side were denied a single shot at goal in the first half.
TT and company kept Guinea far away from the 18-yard box.
Although he had to leave the pitch through injury, the captain had already steered the ship away from perilous waters.
Alford Velaphi 6/10
Unlike Mangolo, Velaphi rarely ventured forward.
He stuck to his defensive duties and did not put one foot wrong.
It is not clear whether he was under instructions to stay back, but in modern football both defensive wings are constantly used to pummel the opponent.
Tebogo Kopelang 6/10
A rising star who probably deserves more than a six.
His calmness at the back was impressive for a 21-year-old just starting his international career.
He was a big part of the Zebras determination to build their moves from the back; edge of your seat defending.
I enjoyed watching him, the youngster came of age.
Mosha Gaolaolwe 9/10
Fanta was deployed to break play in the middle in a 4-2-3-1 alongside Mohutsiwa.
Usually a centre half, he looked at home in the midfield and executed his role with aplomb.
Gaolaolwe neutralised all the opponents’ attacks and covered every blade of grass.
Seakanyeng will grab the headlines for his goal but Gaolaolwe was my Man of the Match.
Gape Mohutsiwa 6/10
A brilliant player who unfortunately seemed to be lacking in confidence.
Mohutsiwa is class and should be bossing the midfield every match, especially if he has solid players around him.
Kabelo Seakanyeng 8.5/10
The goal-scoring hero.
Seakanyeng was a thorn from the first whistle.
A direct player with pace and full of tricks, he looked dangerous whenever we got the ball out to him.
He was too hot to handle for the Guinea defence, and if there’s anyone who can deliver victory when most needed, it’s him.
Great goal!
Molaodi Tlhalefang 7/10
Ran his socks off.
He was a bit selfish early on, opting to shoot instead of setting Orebonye up.
However, because he’s a striker, he’ll get a pass. ‘Danger’ has goals in him, as he proved against Mozambique with a predator’s finish.
Will be a key player going forward.
Mogakolodi Ngele 5/10
Surprisingly subdued for a man of his quality, especially after his all-action display against Mozambique.
Subbed midway through the second half, Tsotso has nothing to prove to anyone, we all know what he’s capable of.
For reasons best known to him, Ngele was hesitant to shoot when he was within range.
The lethal left foot was limited to passes that mostly failed to find a teammate.
All we want him to do is take a shot. Let that educated foot fly.
Tumisang Orebonye 8/10
Coming in from the right wing, Orebonye had one of those games.
While wasteful in front of goal, he was very useful in key areas of the pitch.
He matched the Guineans pound for pound, and his hold up play relieved pressure from the team.
He won several free kicks in the early stages too.
Thato Kgamanyane 4/10
He came on and looked off the pace.
He never looked comfortable and there were murmurs whenever he received the ball.
A capable player on his day, but did not have much of an impact.
Thabang Sesenyi 7/10
Unlucky to have started on the bench, but the moment he got on he added to the firepower.
It was his brilliant pass to Seakaneng that led to the goal.
Da Rosa is spoilt for choice.
Thato Kebue 6/10
It’s never easy coming in to replace your captain, but Kebue showed that he can be relied upon.
He was called to take the place of our fallen captain, and proved up to the task.
Mothusi Cooper 6/10
Much to the delight off the fans, came on for a late cameo to shore up the defence and showed his qualities.
He’ll definitely get his moment as the qualifications continus.
