体坛英语新闻：Botswana crash out to Ethiopia in World Cup qualifier

GABORONE, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Ethiopia scored two goals against the run of play to secure a 2-1 victory over Botswana in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Africa zone qualifier group A match played in a stadium near Gaborone on Saturday.

Degu Debebe Gebreyes opened the score for the Walia Antelopes in the 34th minute after the home side missed a host of chances in the opening half.

Salahdin Said Ahmed created the goal following some tricky footwork inside the box that ripped aside the Zebras' defense. Said moved from provider to scorer in the first minute of first half injury time doubling the lead for the visitors.

He received the ball outside the 18-yard and realizing Botswana goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe was out of his line, he chipped the ball over his head to break the hearts of the Botswana supporters.

The Zebras started the game well controlling the proceedings and creating better chances but were led down by poor finishing. Dirang Moloi, masking a return to the team following a long self-imposed exile took control of the midfield supplying good balls to the wings and the forwards.

Mogakolodi Ngele missed a clear chance in the 32nd minute after being set up by Moloi blowing the ball over the bar from close range.

Botswana had a chance in the 40th minute to level the score when Edwin Olerile's shot bounced off the goalkeeper's chest but there was no one close to finish off the rebound.

Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane made immediate changes after halftime bringing in a central defender after his defense looked suspect in the first half. He also replaced winger Joel Mogorosi who was ineffective in the first half with Galabgwe Moyana while Tebogo Sembowa replaced striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana.

The changes upfront seemed to work well with Moyana and Sembowa combining well and causing problems to the Ethiopia defense.

Moloi came close in the 65th minute making a turn just outside the box but the goalkeeper tipped the shot over the crossbar. Botswana's goal came in the 77th minute after Moyana delivered in a good cross from the left flank and Sembowa headed into the net.

Botswana tried hard to get the equalising goal but time was already not on their side. The visitors created very few chances in the second half and rarely went forward as they looked to be keen on protecting their lead.

The win meant Ethiopia remain at the top of the group with 10 points while Botswana are rooted at the bottom and are out of the race of qualifying to the next stage.