Ruthless Ostriches banish Holy Ghost
Larona Makhaiza | Monday January 16, 2023 15:26
Ostriches head coach, Taurayi Mangwiro was naturally elated after a dominant performance and he applauded his boys for being clinical. "The boys really played very well and this is something that hasn’t been there before as we have had few games that we did really perform well and for scoring this much goals, this is commendable," he said.
Mangwiro added that if his side wants to stay up there with the top two in the log standings, his side should continue collecting maximum points to narrow the gap.
From the first whistle, Orapa United nearly broke the deadlock but Holy Ghost grew into the game carving their own opportunities. It was a high-octane encounter characterised by a lot of interceptions and counter attacks as the two teams went in search of the opener.
After countless attacks from the two sides, the Ostriches broke on attack and Omaatla Kebatho received a through ball which left him face-to-face with the keeper. The league's leading goal scorer did not let the opportunity pass by as he drilled his 10th goal of the campaign in the 15th minute. The early goal did not dampen the spirits of the home side as they almost restored parity in the 24th minute but Lesley Ramaphane missed a sitter following an exquisite cross by Kamogelo Basimanebotlhe.
The miss proved costly as the visitors surged ahead in the 27th minute. Kelvin Bingala managed to evade the attention of the entire Holy Ghost defence to find the back of the net. After going two nil up, the Ostriches started to enjoy most of the possession, launching attack after attack.
Moments before the halftime break, Bingala got his brace to give his side a comfortable 3-0 lead after tapping home a low cross from Onkemetse Powe. Even after the halftime break, the Ostriches did not show any signs of sitting back as they continued with their attacks, looking to add to their tally. Powe came close to registering his name on the goal scorer's sheet but missed a good cross from Lemogang Maswena.
The home side responded by making a few substitutions, which breathed new life into the attack and Ostriches goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela was compelled to make important saves.
The Ostriches made changes of their own and it was their substitute, Kagisano Mungu who made an instant impact as he scored the fourth goal to kill the game as a contest. Mungu combined beautifully with Powe and scored from outside the box with a powerful low shot to beat keeper, Onkamogetse Ditebelo. With the win, Orapa stayed within touching distance of leaders, Gaborone United and Jwaneng Galaxy in what is turning out to be a riveting title fight.
The teams Holy Ghosts Onkamogetse Ditebelo, Atamelang Mangadi, Mpho Dikganetswe, Kenosi Semako, Kgakgamatso Ramatshosa, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Mpho Petros, Kgomotso Kgopegang, Kamogelo Basimanebotlhe (Kitso Kgopa), Lesley Ramaphane (Ishmael Amponsah), Onalethata Obopile (Michael Pillar)
Orapa United Lesenya Malapela, Mpho Kgaswane, Tlamelo Kolagano, Thato Seagateng, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Koketso Majafi, Onkemetse Powe, Norman Mabaya, Omaatla Kebatho, Kelvin Bingala (Ratlhogo Ratlhogo), Lemogang Maswena (Kagisano Mungu)
Holy Ghosts: 0 Orapa United: (3) 4 (Kebatho 15, Bingala 27, 43, Mungu 77)