TAFIC give good account despite ECCO loss

Correspondent | Tuesday March 11, 2014 14:42

 

Following confirmation that the game would go ahead as planned despite heavy rain, TAFIC warmed-up without their kit.

For over an hour, the information was that the kit was on its way but in the end, it never arrived and the players were forced to warm-up with an assortment of attire.

The club’s technical officials then failed to produce the four required match sheets, and at half time, they were forced to produce hand written ones.

Despite the problems, TAFIC were a different team on the field. Their 4-3-3 formation proved a handful for ECCO despite the result. TAFIC coach, Darlington Dodo told Mmegi Sport after the match that they were better on the day, but concentration lapses in the dying minutes cost them dearly.

“We lost the game to ourselves and those mistakes were not forced mistakes,” he said ruefully.

“It was just lack of communication between my defence and we conceded an unnecessary goal just when we thought we had the game under control,” he added.

Dodo did not hide the fact that it is getting tougher at the bottom of the log, saying that for them to survive relegation, they have to start winning games.

He said they must put the ECCO game behind them and move forward. TAFIC held on until the 80th minute when lack of communication between goalkeeper, Abednico Morapedi and defender, Phinius Kgotlhang resulted in an own goal. 

Soon after, everything fell apart for the bottom-placed team as ECCO took control.

It did not come as a surprise five minutes later when substitute, Onkgolotse Senatla hit a cracker from just outside the box to double ECCO’s lead.  ECCO coach, Atshele Molapi agreed that it was a tough game and the watery pitch did not help.

However, he said their patience paid off in the end. “We both wanted to win so badly. In our case, we had to win because BMC and Miscellaneous had caught up with us at 26 points. We are aiming for a top eight finish. But first we must ensure that we are safe from relegation zone,” he said.

Molapi added that he was happy with his squad at the moment, as the team has found a winning combination in Tendai Nyamusi and Ishmael Amponsah up front.

After the weekend result, both ECCO and TAFIC maintained their position eight and 16th respectively. 

Meanwhile, the status quo remained at the top after BDF XI failed to take advantage of leaders, Township Rollers’ draw against Nico United. BDF XI were held by BMC, while third place Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ game against Motlakase was cancelled due to a water-logged pitch.