Gumbo attacks Matengu

GALE NGAKANE
Correspondent | Tuesday April 28, 2009 00:00

 

'I just do not know how this boy (Matengu) can let in such silly goals. How can an experienced goalkeeper give away goals like that? We came here for three points and ended up having to fight so hard for a point. It is uncalled for,' said Gumbo after the be Mobile Premier League game.

After a poor start, Rollers came back for the second half a changed side and fought back to get the draw. Gumbo injected some urgency in the game by introducing speedster, Joel Mogorosi and Thapelo 'Pepe' Balepi. The complexion of the game changed completely with Popa starting to dictate terms. Had it not been for the agility and alertness of TAFIC substitute goalkeeper, Aaron Molebatsi who stood in for Lesego Moeng, Rollers could have won the match. Moeng could not play in the game because he is still a Rollers' player.

The game started like a house of fire with Rollers evidently trying to snatch an early goal as Terence Mandaza fired from long range, only to find Molebatsi equal to the task. A few minutes later, a fluid interchange had the TAFIC defence at sixes and sevens, and Molebatsi parried a shot by Bernard Semakwezi for a corner. It took TAFIC 30 minutes to threaten Rollers but Teko Molapisi fluffed a chance to draw blood when he blazed over the bar with only Matengu to beat.

Five minutes later, Mmoloki Kafuko pounced on a throw-in, dribbled past Rollers' defence, sold a dummy to an advancing Matengu and stabbed the ball into an empty net. On the stroke of half-time, TAFIC's faithful servant, Tamocha Bedi silenced the vociferous Rollers' fans when he rounded Matengu to score in an empty net. 

However, after recess, it was clear, Rollers were on the ascendancy as they launched attack after attack. In the 59th minute, Mandaza pounced on a loose ball and this time, Molebatsi could not stop the striker from scoring. Mogorosi tore into the TAFIC defence and gave a pinpoint pass to a well-placed Lesego Molemogi to make it 2-2. TAFIC could have scored in the dying minutes when Molapisi beat the offside trap and with Matengu to beat, he shot high.