Reds silence Gunners
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 8, 2014 11:50
The Reds struck in each half through Benson Shilongo and Edwin Olerile while Jomo Moatlhaping answered for Gunners before half time.
Gunners started the game on a high note and raided their opponents with Monageng Thaele and Katlego Koobake posing the biggest threat to GU. Thaele was denied by Goitseone Phoko with a brilliant save in the 20th minute from a set-piece. GU reorganised themselves as Kgololo Kgogobi and Mandla Mgadla dictated the midfield. The work rate of the GU duo created a vacuum in Gunners midfield, forcing Moatlhaping to drop back most of the time.
After narrowly missing the target with a header, Shilongo struck in the 30th minute after a deflection by Gunners goalkeeper, Wagarre Dikago to give GU a 1-0 lead. Immediately after the goal,
Gunners nearly pulled level but Thabiso Khunwane bravely raced off his line to deny Tshepo Molefe in the 31st minute. The inevitable came three minutes later when Moatlhaping equalised with a clinical header from Thaele’s free-kick. Just before the break, Kgogobi powered a long-range effort over the crossbar.
The second half started with both sides pushing for the winner. Gunners introduced Pako Modikwa for Nsongamali Shabby in the 49th minute. Tshepo Maikano was denied by Phoko in the 55th minute before Olerile powered in the winner from a pass from Shilongo in the 67th minute. After the game, GU tactician, Rahman Gumbo said that as expected the match was tough because Gunners have been in good form. He hailed his goalkeeper for a job well done. “I expected a tactical game, hence I fielded fast wingers being Kgogobi and Mgadla. My team is gelling and we have been doing well in the past few games,” he said.
Gunners coach, Dragojilo Stanojilovic said he was impressed by the performance of his players despite the loss. He admitted they conceded the second goal because of a lapse in concentration by his defence.
The teams:
Gunners: Dikago, Desire Bafana, Koobake, Maikano, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile (Thabani Moyo 80), Kemmy Pilato, Molefe, Thaele, Shabby (Thabang Mabachi 79), Topo Piet and Moatlhaping.
Coach: Stanojilovic
GU: Phoko, Letsweletse Seane, Thabiso Khunwane, Gonyeone Selefa, Gosegonna Molapisi, Mgadla (Obonwe Maome 75), Shilongo (Karabo Phiri 68), Kgogobi, Olerile, Powell Abednico, Ntesang Simanyana (Jackie Mothatego 81).
Coach: Gumbo.
Caution: Phoko (82), Koobake (55).