Santos and Giants Share Spoils
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 2, 2015 11:49
Stanley Morirwa broke the hearts of Santos supporters with a strike in the 4th minute after a defensive blunder. The goal brought confidence in Giants play as they dominated possession. Santos had the first attempt at goal in the 18th minute through Kaelo Mashiakgomo’s header that was saved by Richard Mampane.
Giants continued pushing to increase their lead and Morirwa’s long ranger flew past the goalmouth in the 22nd minute. Giants’ hard work paid off in the 27th minute when Gofaone Mabaya got the second goal with a brilliant shot from outside the box. Santos’ appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears in the 31st minute after their player was fouled inside the box.
They got a lifeline in the 37th minute when Boikanyo Elijah scored an own goal when trying to clear danger. After the goal, Santos forced Giants on the backfoot as they pushed for the equaliser. The second half started with Santos making changes, throwing in Botlhe Rankgomo and Thato Seagateng in the 53rd minute. Bosa Mokgeetsi was unfortunate as his attempt was fisted out of play by Giants goalkeeper in 57th minute. Two minutes after coming on, Seagateng got behind the defenders and shot past Mampane to level matters in the 68th minute.
Giants coach, Kingsley Makgolela said they showed the intention to walk with the maximum points only for Santos to catch up with them. He regretted that they failed to hold on to the lead. Makgolela said it was easy to score and they should have done better.
“We lost players during the transfer window and some of the players that we recruited joined the team a few days before this game. The players are still to jell,” he said.
Santos tactician, Innocent Ranku admitted that they were caught off guard when they conceded two quick goals. He said he does not like goals scored through central defence and such mistakes are not tolerated in his team.
“We missed two chances in the first half. The changes that I made in the second half brought life to my side and we drew. I am not happy with a draw. A draw is a draw back,” Ranku said.
He stated that his main focus is to work on the defence, midfield and sharpen the strikers.
The teams’ line up:
Santos: Ookeditse Mosejane, Abueng Tlamelo, McDonald Tshwaranang, Goitseone Kusane, Mosimanegape Pelaelo, Alfred Manyozo (Seagateng 53), Mashiakgomo (Rankgomo 53), Mokgeetsi, Refentse Mmelesi and Eric Molefhi (Kabelano Mooketsane 65)
Coach: Ranku
Giants: Mampane, Tlhalefang Kame, Morirwa, Tshepiso Matshuba, Elijah, Moemedi Lefuntswe, Rapelang Moeti (Desmond Mtukufa 60), Mabaya, Thabang Kgamanyane, Pane Rakhobo and Thatayaone Kgamanyane.
Coach: Makgolela.
Caution: Rankgomo 74
In other matches: Lesirane City 0 Black Forest 1, Jwaneng Galaxy 2 Sharps 0, Gantsi Terrors 1 Prisons XI 2.
Giants: 2 (Morirwa 4, Mabaya 27)
Santos: 2 (Elijah - own goal 37, Seagateng 68)