Phoko shines as GU beat BDF XI

Thato Kala | Monday November 24, 2014 12:58

The heroics of the goalkeeper helped the Reds to beat BDF XI 2-0. GU easily buried the game in the first half with goals from winger Kgololo Kgogobi and Ntesang ‘Mirror’ Simanyana.

Kgogobi opened the scoring just after the half hour mark with a stunning free-kick while

Simanyana struck on the stroke of half time as the army side struggled without suspended goalkeeper Takudzwa Ndoro.

Despite the two first half goals, the opening 45 minutes were a dull affair with both teams playing long high balls.

GU had to make an injury inspired substitution early in the first half when Mandla Mgadla picked up a knock and had to be replaced by Ronald Chikomo. In the second half, the 19-year-old, Phoko, kept GU in the game with spectacular saves as BDF XI went on the attack.

When BDF XI striker, Master Masitara was brought down in the box midway through the first half, up stepped Lesego Lubinda to take the resultant spot kick but his effort was beaten out by Phoko.

The goalkeeper, who has lived under the shadow of Noah Maposa, said he was pleased with his performances this season.

“I have played about 10 games and conceded five goals. I think it is a good record,” said the youngster.

His coach Rahman Gumbo hopes he stays focused. “I was quite happy when he was called into the national team recently, he deserves that and I commend the national team selectors for picking him.”.

A struggling BDF, who were without Mokgathi Mokgathi, had no answers for GU’s game plan especially in the second half. The Reds played short passes and often opened BDF up on the flanks. The army side could not play their long balls as GU cut them off with captain Alphonse Madisaotsile breaking most of their attacks.

Gumbo said his team is starting to gel after winning its last four games. “We are coming right. This is the first round, so anything can happen, Rollers can lose three games, so can BMC,” Gumbo told Monitor Sport.

His opposite number, Chikwanda, blamed the loss on injuries saying he had nine players with knocks. “I feel we did not play well today. We also missed a penalty in the second half.

Our preparation was very bad. We had knocks, the guys from the national team came yesterday (Saturday) and we didn’t prepare well,” he said.

 

BDF XI  0

GU 2 (Kgogobi, Simanyana)