Gunners shoot down Lions

Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 28, 2022 16:00

The two sides have a little bit of rivalry, ranging from way back when Lions were still called BMC. It was Gunners' first victory against Lions since January 2018 and their fifth in 19 meetings.

Just nine minutes into the game, Baokeditswe Talane had the first shot at goal but the goalkeeper was not troubled by his effort. Two minutes later on the other end, Obakeng Lekoko-Ramotlhwa rose highest to meet a corner kick but his effort went straight into the goalkeeper's hands. It was end-to-end affair as both sides showed little respect to each other. On the 36th minute, Dirang Moloi laid a pass to Pako Modikwa but he was superbly denied by the on rushing goalkeeper.

Three minutes later, Oarabile Sekwai saw his headed effort cleared off the goal line with the goalkeeper beaten. On the stroke of half time, Legend Monyake shot straight into the goalkeeper's hands. It was a rather sluggish start to the second half compared to the first with limited goal scoring chances. On the 62nd minute, Monyake went close but could only hit the cross bar. On the 74th minute, Ernest Ngwaga set up Monyake who failed to beat the goalkeeper once again.

Seven minutes to time, Gunners were awarded a penalty and Talane stepped up to slot into the bottom corner to give his side the lead. On the 86th minute, Modikwa's header went in to the keeper and two minutes later, Kabelo Babusi tried from outside the box but the goalkeeper was up to the task.

The win increases Gunners' chances of securing a top eight spot with 10 games still to play. "I'm very happy that we have managed to grind the points. It's been a long time and Gilport have been dominating this tie and we anticipated that they will try to frustrate us. We were patient.

The last time we played them we were not patient and today that was the difference," Gunners' coach, Wame Mokoke said. His counterpart, Lions' assistant coach, William Monene was happy with his side's performance but bemoaned a late goal.

The Teams:

Lions: Morake Tauyatsalwa, Botsile Sakana, Godwin Bonsu, Boikobo Kebafedile, Lone Taele, Nico Babutsi, Oarabile Sekwai (Edwin Baphare), Obakeng Lekoko-Ramotlhwa (Tumelo Meshack), Thapelo Thebeyagae, Legend Monyake (Lone Dintwa), Ernest Ngwaga

Gunners: Isaac Moyo, Atlang Kgotso (Thato Bolelweng), Obositswe Gabadise, Percy More, Desire Bafana, Baokeditswe Talane (Ofentse Radikgageng), Kabelo Babusi, Omphile Vissage, Dirang Moloi, Pako Modikwa (Mpho Ramogonono), Kgotso Phuti (Anderson Makolontwana) Cautions: Taele

Lions 0 Gunners 1 (Talane pen, 83rd)