GU title hopes plummet further
Chakalisa Dube | Monday March 6, 2023 17:04
The loss further dented GU’s title credentials although their mentor, Pontsho Moloi expressed optimism that Moyagoleele could still turn around their season. GU are now eight points behind log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy who have accumulated 46 points from 18 matches. Despite the defeat, the Reds are packed with quality and experience and this was evident on Saturday where they had much of the ball. On the contrary, Angels are a side built on defensive principles and rely on counter attacks to hurt their opponents.
Even their winner against GU came from a counter attack. The visitors looked very threatening in the early stages and forward, Onkabetse Mankgantai had his goal destined shot deflected for a corner in the 11th minute after he had combined well with Thero Setsile inside the goal area. Angels got the lead in the 16th minute in a strange fashion.
Phoko failed to deal with what looked like a very innocent long throw from Shanganani Nganda. The ball fell on the legs of forward Kudzani Sibanda who volleyed home from close range. Moyagoleele appeared unfazed by the goal. They looked confident on the ball and were on the Angels half for the better part of first stanza of the match.
Mankgantai would have given Moloi’s troops the much-needed equaliser at the stroke of half time but he saw his close-range effort blocked by goalkeeper, Tambani Bachopi. GU dominated for the better of the second half. They just lacked the fire power upfront. Angels also looked a bit decent at the back. The first notable second half opportunity for Angels came in the 68th minute when Bakang Mpatane’s free kick was decently parried away for a corner by Phoko.
Once again, Mankgantai was unlucky to hit the back of the net when his well taken header ricocheted off the cross bar with Bachopi looking well beaten. United were dealt a major blow in the 85th minute when Eric Ookame effortlessly put the ball past an advancing Phoko following a neat counter attack. Ookame has now scored five goals in as many games for the Premier League rookies.
GU did get their consolation goal in the 90th minute when Kennedy Amutenya converted with a cool header after connecting with Mothusi Johnson’s cross. After the match, Moloi refused to acknowledge that the weekend loss has significantly reduced his side’s chances of defending the league. “One or two wins can get us back on track. It is all about working very hard and being optimistic,” said Moloi who was making his debut as GU’s substantive coach on Saturday. Following the win, Seemo Mpatane said Angels have taken a significant step toward surviving relegation, which is their primary ambition.
The Teams:
Angels: Tambani Bachopi, Fungai Muzila, Ofentse Ntesang, Marcus Maokaneng, Shanganani Ngada, Mompati Mbidzo (Tebogo Ishmael), Ronny Leagetse, Bakang Mpatane (Onneile Seabelo), Kudzani Sibanda (Mpatai Mmeshe), Tlotlo Kgaolo, Eric Ookame
GU: Goitseone Phoko, Alford Velaphi (Obonwe Maome), Kennedy Amutenya, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsele (Mothusi Cooper), Duncan Otieno, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Gape Thibedi (Tshepo Malgas), Thero Setsile (Ronel Manyanga), Onkabetse Mankgantai
Eleven Angels 2 (Sibanda 16th, Ookame 85th) GU 1 (Amutenya 90th)