Botswana under-23 soccer team, the Young Zebras, were knocked out of the London 2012 Olympic qualifiers by visiting Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Friday afternoon.

Despite winning the second leg game 2-1, the Young Zebras fell off with a 3-2 aggregate score after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Egyptians a fortnight back. The Young Zebras, who were boosted by the return of some key players who missed the first leg encounter, started the game on a high pedal looking to unsettle the visitors and get an early goal.

Speedy winger Kgololo Leteane tested Young Pharaohs goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal with a powerful shot from outside the box on the seventh minute. The keeper spit the ball back into play but young Zebras striker Phenyo Molefe spilled the rebound wide. The home side continued piling pressure on the visitors but luck seemed not to be on their side as they missed numerous chances in the opening 20 minutes of the match.

The Young Zebras finally got the opener on the 41st minute through Bakang Moeng who nodded in from a corner to make sure the home side go for the break on the lead.

Botswana continued where they left after the break penetrating the Young Pharaohs defense to try and balance the aggregate score. Moeng completed his brace scoring the second goal for the home side on the 61st minute with a powerful overhead kick from outside the box.

With the aggregate score now 2-2, the Young Zebras lost concentration at the back as they were now eager to score the winning goal and the move backfired on them as they conceded a goal on the 75th minute.

Young Pharaohs striker Mohsen Marwan rose above everyone inside the box to head home from a throw in to make sure the Young Pharaohs win on aggregate score.

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