Red hot GU on the rampage

Larona Makhaiza | Monday December 19, 2022 16:00

The Reds have now scored eight goals in two consecutive matches after thrashing Nico United by the same score line a fortnight ago.

The huge margins win already put GU in great advantage against other title contenders including Jwaneng Galaxy who have been breathing heavily on the defending champions' necks.

GU's assistant coach, Pontsho Moloi, however, feels no pressure and he says his side is more than capable of winning the league once more. The game was played under the scorching heat which affected the pace of the game.

Gunners were the first to have a clear-cut chance with GU goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko failing to catch the ball from Ofentse Nato's shot but Gunners failed to capitalise. With Gunners coming close to breaking the deadlock, it served as a wake-up call to GU as they went on to control the game. Gunners’ game plan seemed to be to catch GU on counter attacks.

GU finally broke the deadlock on the 33rd minute through Duncan Otieno's header.

The goal forced Gunners to change their game plan and started opening up to try and get an equaliser. However, GU took a 1-0 lead to the half time break. From the break, GU introduced Mothusi Cooper to replace Otieno.

The introduction of Cooper changed the whole game as GU looked more dangerous on the ball. The Zebras midfielder brought the much-needed creativity in the middle of the park.

Though GU were coming at Gunners with constant attacks, Gunners goalkeeper, Isaac Moyo was up to the task and dealt with threats swiftly. However, GU doubled the lead through Thatayaone Kgamanyane. It only took GU seven minutes to find the back of the net once more, with the goal coming from Onkabetse Makgantai, who scored from a close range after the Gunners defence was caught napping again.

With four minutes left on the clock, Alford Velaphi scored the fourth goal from a tight angle coming from the right side of the flank to help his side retain the top spot on the log standings. Gunners head coach, Philemon Makwengwe said there is plenty of work to be done at Gunners adding that they need to beef up the squad in January.

The teams Gaborone United: Goitseone Phoko, Mothusi Johnson, Alford Velaphi, Kennedy Amutenya, Tshepo Maikano, Lebogang Ditsele, Duncan Otieno (Mothusi Cooper), Thero Setsile, Onkabetse Makgantai, Thatayaone Kgamanyane (John Makwata), Tshepo Malgas (Mpho Kgaswane)

Gunners: Isaac Moyo, Katlego Mothibi, Moabi Phuthego, Benson Mosokobanji, Desire Bafana, Ofentse Nato, Bakang Leshona, Omphile Vissagie, Ernest Tawazadza, Anderson Makolwantwana, Kobamelo Kebaikanye

Gaborone United 4 (Otieno 33rd, Kgamanyane 72nd, Makgantai 79th, Velaphi 86th) Extension Gunners 0