Chikoti tweaks earn Nico a point against champions
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday August 27, 2025 09:29
GU had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Mpho Kgaswane finished off a flowing move with a strike from outside the box.
The champions had missed two shortly after. On his first start, Thomas Chideu shot widely off the post before Elkanah Nyathi had his shot saved.
The visitors felt they had let GU off as Nigel Mluazi from inside the box shot widely off the post.
But Nico quickly replied through Moabi Phuthego, who converted a Mluazi pass inside the area on the 29th minute. The two teams were tied at 1-1 at the break.
The second half proved to be tighter affair for the two teams. With both benches exhausting looking at the substitute options but neither defence was willing to a goal in.
From the bench, Thabo Maponda, for GU was denied by the keeper before Lebogang Ditsile had his header saved late on as Majombolo picked a valuable point no the road.
Chikoti admitted his team had to abandon their initial medium block after sensing GU’s growing dominance.
“We started on a medium block in the first half, then we thought these guys are coming. Then we changed immediately and they (GU) started making mistakes, then we should continue pressing them high and at one point they will error and we get a goal,” said Chikoti after the game.
“For sure we managed to get a goal and we continued doing that but at the end of the day you cannot underrate GU. So we managed to stay focused and keep the shape, the boys did it, we managed to get a point from home. It is a plus to us because we are playing the defending champions,” he added.
The teams:
GU: Frank Seleke, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Thato Kebue (Omphile Ramoagi), Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsile, Karabo Phiri (Tatenda Gora), Boniface Ramolale (Sheikh Sesay), Elkanah Nyathi (Thabo Maponda), Thomas Chideu (Nikolay Pantev), Mpho Kgaswane.
Nico: Lesang Senne, Basiamisi Sebapalo, Onalethata Obopile, Stephane Mothwalo, Tumisang Mokopi, Tawana Zinaka, Thabo Wetshoemang (Kamogelo Mphahlele), Ronald Moipolai (Pako Gaofose), Arnold Lekwape (Ngoy Gloire), Moabi Phuthego (Maatla Ratshukudu), Nigel Mluazi (Ototeng Dintwa).
Cautions: Sebapalo, Gloire, Johnson
GU 1 (Mpho Kgaswane 13’) Nico 1 (Moabi Phuthego 29’)