GU stumble leaves title race wide open
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:41
A goalless draw against Police XI at the GU Stadium on Sunday afternoon has reopened the title race, inviting the chasing pack right back into contention.
It was GU’s third draw in five games, a run that has stalled their momentum and handed belief to their rivals. Second-placed Jwaneng Galaxy were the biggest beneficiaries, closing the gap to just three points after beating the struggling TAFIC at home.
Mochudi Centre Chiefs, sitting third, also trimmed the deficit to six points following a fourth straight win under new head coach, Miguel Corral Torreira.
Despite the dropped points, GU will feel they deserved more. The reigning champions dominated large spells of the contest and fashioned the better chances, but once again failed to turn superiority into goals.
The Reds threatened early, with Thabo Maponda forcing a sharp save from Tshomarelo More just 21 minutes in, rising highest to power a header goalwards.
That chance set the tone for a first half largely controlled by GU, yet Police XI’s “Jungle Kings” defence stood tall, absorbing pressure and frustrating the home side as the half ended scoreless. The visitors nearly stole it six minutes after the restart.
Karabo Kelatlhilwe squandered a golden opportunity after capitalising on a rare defensive lapse by Lebogang Ditsile, failing to convert from close range with the goal at his mercy.
GU thought they had finally broken through in the 56th minute when Ibrohim Youssouf found the net, only for celebrations to be cut short as the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. Moments later, More was called into action again, pulling off another excellent save to deny Maponda’s header.
From that point on, it was wave after wave of GU attacks, but Police XI refused to buckle. The match ended in controversy in the dying minutes as tempers flared between both camps following claims that an object had been planted in the Police XI goalposts, briefly halting the match.
The draw leaves Police XI in 12th place, just two points above the relegation zone. While extending their winless run to four matchesbut the point could yet prove priceless in their survival battle.
The teams:
GU: Thabo Motswagole, Alphord Velaphi, Ivan Kamberipa, Tatenda Gora, Mothusi Johnson, Lebogang Ditsile, Karabo Phiri (Lethabo Phiri), Omphile Ramoagi (Ambrosius Amseb), Thabo Maponda, Mpho Kgaswane, Ibrohim Youssouf
Police XI: Tshomarelo More, Eric Tjizake, Christopher Kasolo, Kabelo Thari, Tefo Molefe, Banele Ndzabandzaba, Lesego Motlhabankwe (Jackie Tapologo), Ghislian Nugah (Bakang Tsholang), Vincent Lekorwe (Peter Adwioh), Karabo Kelatlhilwe (Lucas Motlopi), Boiki Kotase (Brian Matakule)
GU 0 Police XI 0