Gunners Clobber Notwane
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 15, 2014 16:19
Both sides went into the game desperate for victory since they have been struggling since the season started. Gunners however had registered a victory in the previous game against Letlapeng.
Notwane on the other hand last tasted victory in their first match of the season, beating city rivals, Gaborone United (GU) 3-2. Since then they have found the going tough in the league, losing all the matches, which followed after. Right after beating GU, Notwane lost to Police XI before being thrashed by log leaders, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. BDF XI also handed them a defeat before Gunners piled misery on them. Against Gunners, Notwane coach, Innocent Norapedi started with his usual midfield duo of Thabo Mbole and Kgaodi Odirile while Lemogang Maswena and Emmanuel Machinya swapped flanks. Gunners on the other hand missed Moemedi Moatlhaping, Desire Bafana and Nsongamali Shabby. Topo Piet returned to the starting line up, playing behind Modikwa.
Gunners’ goalkeeper, Wagarre Dikago was the first to be called into action in the 20th minute. He parried away Kgomari Mothuba beautiful header from a corner kick. The attempt seemed to have woken Gunners up and they took control of the match creating several chances.
Kelelelo Kgosimore in particular was giving Notwane defence a torrid time on the right wing. Gunners took the lead in the 33rd minute when Modikwa rose high and headed home from a beautiful corner kick taken by Piet. The goal separated the two sides at half time.
Just a minute into the second half, Gunners nearly increased the lead when Notwane goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa fumbled Monageng Thaele’s free kick. Fortunately for him, the ball went out for a corner before Gunners strikers could pounce. Notwane made double substitution, introducing Emmanuel Masisi for Pako Gaofose and Tumelo Nshakiwa for Machinya.
The move changed the complexion of the game and for long periods of time, Notwane were camping on Gunners half. However they lacked killer instinct. Gunners resorted to counter attacks Selapa made two incredible saves, denying Kgosimore and Modikwa. Gunners substitute, Thabiso Mabachi hit the upright in the dying minutes of the game.
Gunners have now won two games while Notwane are still chasing their second victory of the season.
Line-ups:
Gunners: Dikago, Finkie Mothibi (Gabriel Bokhutlo), Katlego Keobake, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Kemmy Pilato, Isaac Paeye, Kgosimore (Tebo Garogwe), Modikwa (Mabachi), Piet, Thaele
Notwane: Selapa, Kereng Mpetang, Andrew Makopo, Mothuba, Gogontle Marumo, Mbole, Maswena, Tlhalefang Molefe, Gaofose (Masisi), Odirile, Machinya (Nshakiwa)
Cautions: Mothuba