Galaxy force draw against Fighters
Teichler Rankoa | Monday November 24, 2014 13:04
Fighters drew first blood in the 11th minute with a powerful shot from Gopolang Matlou after a good pass from midfielder, Gaanosi Mashabane.
Matlou took on Galaxy’s defenders including Zebras man Boitumelo ‘Navara’ Mafoko, who watched him unleash a powerful shot that beat goalkeeper Athong Gouws hands down.
Fighters’ early goal made the game more entertaining as both sides went for the kill. The Mogoditshane side dominated proceedings and created several chances and it was no surprise when Matlou pounced again in the 30th minute. An undecided Gouws went for a high ball and blundered allowing Matlou to make it 2-0.
Galaxy coach, Oris Radipotsane was not happy with the goal, blaming his goalkeeper for making the childish mistake of dropping the ball. After Fighters’ second goal, Galaxy looked a better side, with Musa Ohilwe and Thebe Maiketso taking control. The home side could have got their first goal in the 37th minute, but striker Olebogeng Malebye shot wide after beating the goalkeeper. A substitution on the stroke of halftime paid immediate for Galaxy’s as the new man, Goareng Bagala reduced the deficit in the 43rd minute.
The striker had just come in a minute earlier to replace Tshiamo Moreetsi when he chipped the ball into the net.
In the second half, Galaxy piled pressure for the equaliser with fast paced Tshepo Borake and Maiketso making dangerous forays and crosses from the wings.
However, their efforts were frustrated by poor finishing by teammates and solid defending from the Brazilians. Borake squandered two good opportunities, first shooting straight at the goalkeeper in the 50th minute and then failing to release a well-placed Ohilwe three minutes later.
Fighters coach, Mpho Mabogo pulled out Motlotlegi Kootswetse for Malebogo Ntebogang, while the tired Matlou who had become wasteful gave way for Gaofenngwe Khubalo. Galaxy equalised in the 70th minute after an interchange of passes forced Ofana Motsumi to concede a penalty. Ohilwe was denied by the goalkeeper in his first attempt but made no mistake with the rebound.