Fighters qualify for promotional play-offs
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday April 13, 2015 16:03
Thamiso Gagoangwe scored the only goal of the match in the 50th minute, ending Santos’ dream for a quick return to the Premier League. Santos started the match on a high note and had the first attempt at goal.
Santos launched another attack few minutes later, but Thato Segateng’s attempt missed the target by a whisker. The hosts, Santos were enjoying more possession but failed to convert their chances. Santos had another decent effort at goal in the 12th minute when a stunning free kick from Mpho Gaegopolwe flew over the crossbar. Gaegopolwe failed to connect with a pass from Eric Molefhi in the center of the pitch in the 20th minute and that could have given Santos a chance to launch an attack on their opponents. Bosa Mokgweetsi’s long range effort then hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper well beaten. Fighters raised their game in the second half and were rewarded in the 50th minute with a beautiful header from Gagoangwe. Santos tried to push for an equalizer through Mokgweetsi, but his strike went wild. Santos then introduced Botlhe Rankgomo and Tebogo Kenosi in the 59th minute to try and find the equaliser.
Speaking to Sport Monitor after the match, Fighters coach, Mpho Mabogo said his charges played according to plan. He, however, admitted that his side did not play well in the first half even though they managed to recover in the second half.
“We had to change formation to match up with our opponents. That is why we managed to get a win,” he said. For his part, Innocent Ranku of Santos said they played well in the first half, but failed to covert their chances.
The line-ups:
Santos: Tshepho Kgotlamotho, Abueng Tlamelo, Mcdonald Tshwarang, Goitseone Kusane, Mosimagepe Pelaelo, Alfred Manyozo, Kabelano Mooketsane (Rankgomo 59th), Gaegopolwe, Mmelesi (Kenosi 59th, Mokgweetsi, Molefhi.
Fighters: Onneile Ditshito, Karabo Moreri, Kabo Ngongorego, Branco Molokwane, Kenny Ledikwe, Mthonzi Mthandazwa, Daniel Mogapi, Nonofo Baatweng, Gagoangwe, Gaofengwe Khubalo (Mokgathi 63rd), Malebogo Ntebogang.
Caution: Tshwaranang
Fighters 1 (Gagoangwe 50th)
Santos 0