Chiefs claim Mochudi bragging rights
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 31, 2022 16:00
The kick off was delayed by 45 minutes to let the grounds dry as it had rained in the morning of the match day. The two sides met just few hours after Bakgatla laid to rest their departed Queen Mother, Mma Seingwaeng.
It was a sombre mood in the capital village of Bakgatla and the derby tie did little to lift the mood. It appeared to be a interesting match as two minutes in, Bokamoso Mbambo put a teasing cross for Koketso Mphokhoti but the latter headed over the bar. On the 22nd minute, Mphokhoti was brought down inside the penalty area but the referee ignored the penalty appeals. In a game of limited chances, Arnold Mampori directed his freekick attempt wide off the posts. Four minutes later, Alfred Gopolang saw his shot going wide. In the second half, the two teams did not create clear cut chances in front of goal as supporters from both camps grew frustrated of the lack of goals in the tie.
However, Chiefs looked the better of the two teams but could not just connect well in the final third. On the 84th minute, Mbambo pulled off a brilliant save from the goalkeeper. Two minutes, later Khumoetsile Kufingwa's long strike was parried back into play and substitute Kabo Seshabo was close by to head into goal from close range. Chiefs held on to the last minute to take the maximum points on the afternoon.
Both coaches agreed that the match did not produce the expected sparks. 'it was 50-50 game and anyone could have taken it and it happened to be us. It was very important to win this game especially after those two consecutive losses,' Chiefs' Thatayamodimo Tebele said after the game. Rovers' Pele Senosi felt his side deserved something from the game as he decried a last minute goal.
The Teams:
Rovers: Obakeng Pone, Kaelo Ntsimane, Mokganedi Damo, Boitshepo Mogome, Julius Montsho, Thuto Kgosimore (Donald Moilwe), Darren Matshuba (Thabang Mogomotsi), Tapologo Matlapeng, Thabo Matshuba (Gilbert Ralepaba), Temogo Tladi, Thero Roberts (Botshelo Modise)
Chiefs: Tshenolo Letshelea, Gomotsang Tselaesele, Bokamoso Mbambo, Ishmael Metlhaleng, Anorld Mampori, Phomolo Moahi (Kabo Seshabo), Alfred Gopolang, Oarabile Powe (Patrick Jacklas), Khumoetsile Kufingwa, Koketso Mphokhoti (Malvern Moyo) Cautions: Damo, Montsho, Ntsimane, Gopolang
Rovers 0 Chiefs 1 (Seshabo 86th)