Lobatse Derby ends in stalement
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday October 20, 2014 14:55
It was a game of two halves in which Gunners dominated the entire first half but BMC took control of the second half. It was one of the most anticipated matches with both teams currently enjoying rich vein of form.
BMC are yet to lose a match this season while Gunners have won their last five matches before their game against BMC.
Gunners took the lead as early as the second minute through Moatlhaping whose header from the corner kick gave BMC goalkeeper, Moatlhodi Ndana no chance. BMC had their chance moments later but Gunners goalkeeper, Wagarre Dikago made a god save. Gunners immediately took control of the match and created several goal-scoring opportunities.
BMC on the other hand failed to make any threatening movements going forward. Nsongamali Shabby who gave BMC defender, Thabo Mothibi a torrid time, was unlucky to see hit effort hit the cross bar in the 33rd minute.
Moatlhaping tried to capitalise from the rebound but the ball was cleared off the line. Gunners continued to press forward in search of goals but squandered several chances.
Few minutes into the second half, BMC made two substitutions, taking out ineffective Kago Segokgo and replacing him with Kaone Molefe. Kabo Rasuping also made way for Boitshoko Zikhale. The substitutes changed the game in BMC favour.
They began enjoying possession and looked dangerous going forward. However it was Gunners who had a real goal scoring chance in the second half. Shabby beat the offside trap and rounded off the goalkeeper, but instead of taking a shot, he decided to set up his teammate.
There was a scuffle in the box with BMC trying to save the situation, but Molefe in the process committed a foul in the box and Gunners were awarded a penalty. Moatlhaping stepped up to take it but his shot went over the bar.
Dikago was called into action moments later, but passed the test, parrying away Sageby Sandaka’s long-range effort.
Kgetholetsile got his breakthrough in the 71st minute and smashed the ball past Dikago to level matters.
He had another chance to put BMC in front few minutes later, but Dikago this time denied him.
Line-ups:
BMC: Ndana, Mpho Kgaswane, Kutlo Sejeso, Mothibi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Amos Godirwang, Kago Segokgo (Molefe 52), Rasuping (Zikhale 50), Sandaka, Nqobile Mpala, Kgetholetsile
Gunners: Dikago, Finkie Mothibi, Katlego Koobake, Tshepo Maikano, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Kemmy Pilato, Tshepo Molefe, Monageng Thaele, Shabby, Topo Piet (Thabani Moyo 80), Moatlhaping
Cautions: Sejeso, Sandaka, Moatlhaping, Molefe
Referee: Lekgotla Johannes