GU wallop Ecco in Mascom top 8
Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 4, 2013 16:20
The Francistown based outfit conceded three goals in the first round of their quarter-final match against an impressive Gaborone United (GU) on Saturday before a near capacity crowd at the Francistown Stadium.
To progress to the semi-finals of the competition, Mamoja Diski will have to win the second round match of the quarter finals to be played during the last week of November 4-0.
Even ECCO coach Atshele Molapi admitted that it will be difficult to put four goals past United without conceding a goal. The second round match will be a home fixture for GU in Gaborone.
Should ECCO win the away encounter by 3-0, the two teams will go to penalties to decide who goes to the semi-final.
Mamoja failed to click for the entire proceedings on Saturday. Molapi opted for right back Trinity Nko in the defensive midfield role, leaving Mmilidzi Zeco Makafiri on the bench. The plan to leave Makafiri on the bench, who has been doing well in the defensive midfield role, backfired. ECCO were vulnerable in the middle of the park as Nko failed to contain the GU lads. He was caught off guard on many occasions.
On the other hand, the defending champions started the match like a house on fire, creating numerous opportunities. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 23rd minute. A well composed Mandla Spikiri Mgadla beat ECCO goalie Michael Onkutule with a low shot after connecting with a cross from the right.
GU continued with their good game, creating numerous opportunities. They were again rewarded for their efforts five minutes before the break.
Their talisman Ronald Chikomo capitalised from a blunder by the ECCO goalie. Onkutule parried the ball just in front of Chikomo who made no mistake putting the ball into the back of the net.
In the first five minutes after the break, ECCO looked a rejuvenated side before they faded. Chikomo could have taken his tally to two in the match but his shot was blocked by ECCO skipper Emmanuel Nlu who had a dull match and could be held accountable for two of three goals conceded in the match.
In the second half, ECCO also brought speedy right winger Nicholas Mathare for Thatayothe Gaokgorwe in a bid to boost attack. His introduction however did little to help improve the club’s fortunes.
On the 56th minute Nlu committed a foul in the goal area. Former Township Rollers left back Edwin Olerile converted from the resultant ball. After the third goal, GU slowed down the pace of the match and resorted to a short passing game.
The visitors only had one notable chance to score after their third goal. Jomo Moathaphing sent his header wide in the 68th minute before paving way for Mathews Moruti two minutes later.
Only Zimbabwean born midfielder Tendai Nyumasi looked lively with his wizardry in the middle of the park for ECCO. The Zimbabwean also had some few shots at goal that were easily dealt with by national team goalkeeper Noah Maposa, who along with his defence, had little to do for the entire game.