Notwane down Santos
Chippa Legodimo | Monday March 31, 2014 12:31
Vincent Nsombe had put Santos ahead after muscling three defenders to volley home in the 23rd minute but the Gabane side did not show much confidence after the goal.
Notwane tried to stage a comeback shortly after, veteran midfielder Oteng Moalosi crafting through the defence to drive home a high ball which only went inches above the cross bar.
It was a dull first half which saw many stray passes from both sides and half hearted attempts at goal much to the frustration of the two benches.
Coming from the break Notwane looked determined to turn the tables as Lemogang Maswena, Emmanuel Machinya and Emmanuel Masisi combined to shake things in the Notwane front line.
But it was perhaps the addition of Letumile Molebatsi later in the second half which provided the creative spark that Notwane so needed.
The young midfielder’s good passing and clever moves off the ball created the space Notwane needed in the middle of the park to cause damage.
But Santos nearly surged ahead in the 67th minute when Mpho Kgaswane cheekily looped over the Notwane goalkeeper who tipped over the bar with a finger.
Notwane quickly returned fire with Masisi breaking free, but Tshepo Kgotlamotho in Santos goal, brilliantly came out to narrow the angle forcing the young striker to head wide.
But the goal keeper could only succeed for a few seconds to keep Notwane at bay as Machinya popped from near post to score shortly after to make it 1-1.
While Notwane deserved credit for their spirited comeback, it was Santos’ defensive naivety that gifted Innocent Morapedi’s charges.
With the opponents sitting deep in their own area, Notwane took advantage to throw more numbers into the attack and it paid off again when Masisi nodded home to make it 2-1 after finishing Maswena’s good work from the left.