Police XI, Nico in exciting draw
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 1, 2014 12:51
Police XI and Nico United played to an exciting 2-2 draw in the Botswana Premier League match at SSKB Stadium on Saturday. Both sides, playing under the watchful eye of national team coaches, Peter Butler and Pio Paul dished out end-to-end attacking football.
In the absence of star midfielder, Odumetse Rakoma, Nico deployed captain, Richard Legwaila in the engine room. Legwaila, who normally plays as a centre back, had a good game alongside his midfield partner, Arnold Mampori. For Police XI exciting winger, Uyapo Seleka and attacking midfielder, Betsho Pius were outstanding. Police XI was the better side until Nico regained their poise midway through the first half. It was no surprise when Police XI took the lead in the 11th minute through Makai Kawashu. They nearly doubled the advantage moments later but Nico goalkeeper, Edwin Mokibe was in the right place to deny the hosts. Nico slowly got back into the game as Gift Moyo and Onkabetse Makgantai started pulling strings. Makgantai who was once called into the national team by Butler was a handful for Police XI defence led by Ndiyapo Letsholathebe.
Moyo showed great composure in the 34th minute when he controlled the ball well to smash it past Police XI goalkeeper, Bokamoso Moeba for the equaliser. Makgantai put Nico in front just before half time, punishing Police XI defenders for reacting too slowly in their own half.
In the second half, both sides continued attacking, creating numerous scoring chances. In the 55th minute, Phenyo Molefe made an incredible turn in the box forcing Nico captain, Legwaila to foul him and concede a penalty. Seleka stepped up to level the scores and earn his side a point from the game. Police XI and Nico remain unbeaten in the league. Nico have drawn three games and won one against cross town rivals, FC Satmos while Police has drawn twice and won twice.
The line-ups:
Police XI: Moeba, Latlego Masole, Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Poloko Khole, Letsholathebe, Louis Minjale (Ishmael Amponsah), Betsho Pius, Gilbert Baruti, Kawashu, Seleka, Molefe (Emmanuel Ditodi)
Nico: Mokibe, Legwaila, Onkabetse Seforo, Trinity Nko, Lucas Mothata (Thandazani Ndlovu), Mampori, Moyo, Otsile Batang, Makgantai, Melvin Moyo (Mogomotsi Samson), Khumoetsile Kufigwa
Cautions: Legwaila, Masole