Gunners rue missed chances

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday March 4, 2008 00:00

 

Gunners did everything right and created more chances than their opponents but they could not convert them into goals. This left their supporters who came to the match in numbers disappointed. Zimbabwean marksman Nkosinathi Khumalo deserves the blame for missing three clear-cut chances which could have given the Peleng outfit maximum points. After a slow start to the campaign, Gunners have started playing good football and credit has to go to caretaker coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare.

Gunners came into the game without the services of influential Ofentse Mmipi who was sent off against log leaders Mochudi Centre Chiefs. In his place came on Othusitse 'Sphetho' Mahube and the tricky midfielder failed to settle in the game and was rightly substituted for Monametsi 'Sunday' Kelebale. GU opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Molatedi Mabina who was left unmarked on the edge of the box. The goal brought life to the game and GU goalkeeper Boitumelo Kediseng pulled a spectacular save in the 15th minute to deny Maano Ditshupo. Since joining the Lobatse side during the January transfer window, Ditshupo has been a revelation.

Gunners levelled matters in the 27th minute when Abednico Powell realised that Kediseng was off his line and cleverly lobbed the ball over him. Three minutes later, Gunners deservedly took the lead when Otlaadisa 'TRX' Mohambi beat GU goalkeeper with a rocket from outside the box. Credit has to go to Ditshupo and Khumalo for setting up the goal.
It was end to end action and in the 37th minute, substitute Kebatlogetse 'Go-man' Batsweletse scored with a beautiful header for a 2-2 deadlock at halftime. After the break, Khumalo failed to give Gunners the lead when he headed over the bar from close range after a telling cross from Ditshupo. Both sides continued to push forward but could not find the back of the net. Though Powell was outstanding in the middle of the pack, teammates Kgololo Leteane and captain Kemmy Pilato failed to live up to expectations.
Gunners' defender, Finkie Mothibi did a wonderful job to frustrate striker Ronald Chikomo. The skinny defender followed the Zambian-striker around the pitch for the entire 90 minutes. In the 67th minute, Gunners' supporters could not believe their eyes when Khumalo wasted another golden opportunity after a good delivery from Kelebale. GU were awarded a penalty in the 82nd minute when referee Jonathan Male adjudged Gunners' defender Thulani Moyo to have fouled an opponent in the box. Kenny Ledikwe easily beat goalkeeper Mandivenga Paradzayi to give his side maximum points. Gunners suffered a blow in optional time when Pilato was sent off.

After the match, Nare said that they played well and created chances but their main undoing was failure to convert. 'We did not deserve to lose the game and if we continue missing chances like these, my job will be on the line,' he said.

Nare took solace from the fact that they are now able to match opponents who have better players. Gunners' game against Township Rollers scheduled for tomorrow night at the National Stadium has been postponed. That means the next assignment for Mapantsula is against TAFIC on Saturday while GU entertain Chiefs on Friday night at the National Stadium.