Gunners stun Sankoyo
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday September 22, 2014 14:39
The goal came in the 90th minute, sending Gunners supporters into wild celebrations.
Sankoyo having lost three consecutive games prior to their match against Gunners, looked like they were destined to come out with a point, but succumbed to pressure piled by Gunners in the dying minutes.
The game was fairly balanced despite creating the first real chance of the match. As early as the sixth minute, Monageng Thaele hit the upright with a curling free kick. Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile made a hash of what should have been Gunners first goal, heading wide from the rebound.
Sankoyo had their chance in the 20th minute also from a free kick. Moreblessing Nyokanhete delivered a dangerous ball into Gunners goalkeeper, Wagare Dikago’s area. Morris Ruzivo controlled the ball well, but narrowly missed the target.
It was in the 29th minute when the deadlock was finally broken by Gunners’ striker, Pako Modikwa with a beautiful header. It was Modikwa’s second goal in two matches for Gunners. He scored the winner against Notwane a fortnight ago. Despite trailing, Sankoyo played like seasoned Premier League side with Tlhagiso Mathews in particular controlling the midfield. Ruzivo also gave Gunners defence led by Tshepo Maikano a scare on several occasions. Modikwa’s goal separated the two sides at half time.
Just eight minutes into the second half, Sankoyo were awarded a free kick which was quickly taken by Nyokanhete sent the ball into the box, finding Ruzivo who headed past Dikago to level matters. Gunners introduced Nsongamali Shabby in place of Kelelelo Kgosimore as well as Moatlhaping for Topo Piet. The substitutions made an immediate impact as Gunners pushed numbers upfront. Sankoyo goalkeeper, Basimanebotlhe Moilwa was called into action. Parrying away Tshepo Molefe’s freekick. Moments later, Sankoyo defence cleared off the line with Gunners now piling pressure in search of a winning goal. The goal finally came in the last minute of the game.
Pako Modikwa took a long throw into the box and Shabby flicked it. Sankoyo’s Wazha Seleka was adjuged to have handled the ball in the penalty area and referee Uyapo Julius pointed to the spot. Moatlhaping stepped up and scored, handing Gunners their third successive victory. Sankoyo have another tough game coming tomorrow against Township Rollers as they seek their third victory of the season. They kicked off their season with a victory against Motlakase Power Dynamos before beating FC Satmos in the second game.
The Line-ups:
Gunners: Dikago, Finkie Mothibi, Katlego Koobake, Tshepo Maikano, Ntwaetsile, Kemmy Pilato, Molefe, Kgosimore (Shabby), Pako Modikwa, Topo Piet (Moatlhaping), Thaele (Thabiso Mabachi)
Sankoyo: Moilwa, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Seleka, Modiredi Matengu, Mmoloki Kafuko, Botshelo Mafoko (Jackson lesole), Mathews, Thato Monowe, Ruzivo (Wabuya Aebe), Nyokanhete
Cautions: Thaele, Seleka, Molebatsi