Police XI sting bursts Rollers� bubble
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 19, 2015 15:59
It was business as usual when Rollers found the net in the 12th minute through Maano Ditshupo but tables were expertly turned when Ishmael Amponsah grabbed a quick brace in the second half.
The match started with Rollers showing intent to walk away with maximum points. Kobamelo Kebaikanye fired from a distance but his effort sailed over in the eighth minute. Rollers fans did not wait long, however, as Ditshupo tucked away in the 12th minute after an exquisite Motsholetsi Sikele pass.
Gilbert Baruti nearly punished Rollers in 23rd minute but the defence cleared the danger. Sikele, who was making good runs from the right flank was marginally wide moments later.
Police XI were unlucky at the start of the second half when Betsho Pius’ goal was disallowed for offside. The half time pep talk clearly worked as the Cops were unrelenting in their attack. Ogomoditse Sitlang tasted Mwampule Masule in the 48th minute before Segolame Boy’s pass found Jerome Louis who however, shot wide at the other end. Boy had an opportunity a few minutes later but his header was saved by Bokamoso Moeba.
Rollers introduced the pair of Sekhana Koko and Edwin Moalosi removing Kebaikanye and Sikele in 65th minute.
But it was Police XI with the response in the 68th minute when Amponsah scored from a Boitumelo Modisaotsile pass.
Kawashu Makai arrived on the scene in the 70th minute, replacing Baruti as Police XI put their opponents under the sword. Amponsah struck the winner in the 75th minute, turning before thundering an unstoppable shot past Masule. Rollers coach, Madinda Ndlovu said they wasted a lot of chances, but graciously accepted defeat.
Police XI coach, Maitumelo Letlaamoreng said he told his players at the break to focus on the game and forget about points the team has accumulated this season. “I introduced Makai in the second half because he is an impact player and I knew he will change the game,” he said.
Line ups: Police- Bokamoso Moeba, Katlego Masole, Modisaotsile, Kagiso Dithebe, Loius Minjale, Uyapo Seleka, Pius, Senwelo Letlhogonolo, Amponsah, Baruti (Makai 70), Sitlang (Joseph Joseph 68).
Coach: Letlaamoreng.
Rollers: Masule, Simisane Mathumo, Kebaikanye (Koko 65), Bogosi Kaekwe, Sikele (Moalosi 65), Lawrence Majawa, Obonye Moswate, Boy, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Ditshupo, Louis (Manqoba Ngwenya 81).
Coach: Ndlovu.
Caution: Modisaotsile 57, Sitlang 52
Police 2 (Amponsah 68, 75)
Rollers 1 (Ditshupo 12)