Magosi shock Majatlhaga

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday March 7, 2022 16:00

Mochudi Centre Chiefs players celebrate one of the goals scored against Masitaoka in the Orange FA Cup tie played at the National Stadium on Saturday PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Masitaoka were first to draw blood as early as the sixth minute with a beautifully taken goal by Olebogeng Ramotse from just outside the box following a well-worked corner kick.

Ramotse’s first time volley beat Chiefs’ goalkeeper, Tshenolo Letshelea who appeared obscured by a cluster of his own players and saw the ball very late. After that goal it looked as if the game would become a one-way traffic as Majatlhaga launched attack after another.

The Premier League side dominated proceedings with Namibian striker, Ambrosious Amseb looking very dangerous. The striker saw his well-struck freekick brush the upright in the 12th minute, with Chiefs goalminder rooted.

Itumeleng Salani failed to extend Masitaoka’s lead when he missed a glorious chance in the 17th minute. Salani shot wide with just the keeper to beat in what could have been a brilliant team goal after a string of beautiful passes.

Although Chiefs looked out of sorts and struggled to match their opponents, they nearly equalised through Oteng Mothibi after a poor clearance from the Masitaoka goalkeeper Tumisang Selolwane. The ball fell for Mothibi who controlled and shot from range in an effort that nearly beat the retreating Selolwane. Selolwane recovered well to parry the ball out for a corner.

That moment seemed to spur Chiefs on, as they started to get a grip on the match. Ishmael Metlhaleng skied his effort in the 30th minute, when he found space inside the box following a corner kick.

A minute later, Chiefs equalized through Khumoetsile Kufigwa when he got at the end of a well worked move.

With chiefs mounting more pressure, Kufigwa saw his left-footed strike just sail wide off the post in the 35th minute.

Chiefs took the lead just before the halftime break when Kufigwa headed past Selolwane. Kufigwa connected with a pinpoint ball from Arnold Mampori.

Masitaoka pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but were thwarted by Chiefs’ good defensive unit led by Metlhaleng and Bokamoso Mbambo. Mampori made it 3-1 when he scored direct from a corner kick right at the death to send their supporters into wild celebrations.

Chiefs coach Thatayamodimo Tebele said he was happy with the way his charges performed. “It was a 50/50 game, and the boys applied themselves very well. I’m overwhelmed,” said Tebele.

His counterpart at Masitaoka Ofentse Mapeu said he was disappointed with the results. He said the players failed to follow instructions and played into the hands of Chiefs.

Chiefs Letshelea, Metlhaleng, Gomotsang Tselaesele, Mbambo, Donald Rapulane, Mampori, Mothibi, Gopolang, Oarabile (Emmanuel Thabe),Nelson Powe, Kufigwa (Lucky Molefe), Maatla Magosha (Malvern Moyo)

Masitaoka Selolwane, Tapiwa Sepatela, Aobile Makopo, Ivan Kamberipa, Eric Tjizake, Itumeleng Salani, Olebogeng (Kakanyo Kethubile) Ramotse, Ototeng Dintwa, Tiro pheresi, Amseb, Patrick Kaunda (Emmanuel Ditodi)