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Botswana defeated Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 5-4 on penalties in the 2016 Cosafa Castle Cup semi-final clash played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on Wednesday.

The match had ended in a goalless stalemate in regulation time. The Zebras of Botswana will now take part in their maiden Cosafa Castle Cup final against South Africa tomorrow.

The Leopards had a chance to grab an early goal through Lema Mabidi three minutes into the game, but the midfielder’s free-kick missed the target.

In the 23rd minute, DRC were awarded a free-kick and Sedrick Ngulubi forced Botswana goalkeeper Mwampule Masule into a comfortable save.

The Zebras should have taken the lead two minutes later when Onkabetse Makgantai’s cross found Lemponye Tshireletso in the Leopards’ box.

However, the left-footed winger, who was unmarked, was brilliantly denied by Leopards keeper Herve Lomboto from close range.

Thabang Sesinyi made a run from behind the DRC defence in the 34th minute and he fired just wide of the target without troubling Lomboto.

Six minutes before halftime, Sesinyi had another chance to give Botswana the lead and this time he missed the target from close range.

Botswana began the second-half brightly and in the 50th minute, Kabelo Seakanyeng’s free-kick was pushed onto the crossbar by Lomboto.

At the other end, Leopards forward Mukoko Batezadio’s attempt from inside the Zebras box was well-saved by Masule nine minutes later.

Bangala Litombo played a good cross into the Zebras box in the 65th minute, but Boitumelo Mafoko was well positioned to clear the ball away.

Zebras were unfortunate not to score ten minutes later when Sesinyi’s header hit the crossbar and Omaatla Kebatho’s effort was cleared off the goalline.

Leopards also had late chances, but their efforts were well saved by Masule in Zebras goal and ultimately, the match went straight into a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. — Supersport