Holy Ghost on the brink of promotion
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 9, 2022 17:35
The log leaders beat Black Forest 1-0 in the league tie played at the Holy Ghost Park on Saturday afternoon. The two sides entered the contest with Holy Ghost carrying a four-point lead ahead of Forest.
The top of the clash, however, did not live up to the billing early on as spectators had to wait until the 21st minute to see a goal. Holy Ghost’s Mpho Dikganetso tried to produce a moment of magic as he slowly drilled a free kick unto Ofentse Chitutu’s path. But the latter shot wide off the post. Two minutes later on the other end, Mogomotsi Kerebotswe’s deflected shot hit the low upright. Wame Kebalepile headed wide on the 28th minute as both sides started the hunt for an opener. Kgomotsi Kgopegang came close for the hosts inside the last 10 minutes of the half but his shot from range sailed just over the bar. It was 0-0 at the break with Holy Ghost having had the better half compared to Forest.
Just two minutes into the second half, Chitutu met Kebalepile’s cross with a header but was unfortunate not to hit the mark. The hosts then put their opponents on the back foot until the 63rd minute as Joseph Raboso pulled a splendid save from the goalkeeper. Amponsah on the 73rd minute half volleyed a chance shot wide off the post. Five minutes later, Bafentse Namati set up Raboso whose header went wide off the target. In dying minutes of the game, Amponsah rose higher to meet a corner kick and nodded in to send the home fans into a frenzy. The goal was the last action of the tie as Forest dropped to third position in the log standings. Mochudi Centre Chiefs now occupy the playoff spot thanks to a win over Broadhurst United. Chiefs are level with Forest with 33 points but have a better goal difference.
“I think from my point the game did not live up to the hype. We looked at playing for a draw but still looking for a win so we can open a gap with second place. Are we happy? We are over the moon. This now means the road to Premier League is smoother,” Holy Ghost’s coach Oupa Kowa said.
The Teams:
Holy Ghost: Daniel Kedidimetse, Ofentse Chitutu, Kenosi Semako, Kgomotso Kgopegang (Thabang Khuduga), Mpho Dikganetso, Ishmael Amponsah, Wame Kebalepile (Vincent Lekorwe), Atamelang Mangadi, Mpho Petros, Phadza Chose, Patrick Dikgang
Forest: Michael James (Lesego Metseyabangwe), Oreneile Motanzi (Gobona Ramotlhwa), Bafentse Namati, Phenyo Raphuti, Kennedy Taukobong, Mogomotsi Kerebotswe, Atlholang Jeremane, Donald Botshoma, Terrence Mandaza (Tirelo Ratanang), Wilfred Dithwane, Joseph Raboso
Holy Ghost 1 (Amponsah 90+2’)
Forest 0