Gunners defend Regent Matebejana cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday August 3, 2015 14:27
Second half goals from new signings Deco Kgaodi and Tshegofatso Chimuku ensured that the Lobatse based side win their second Matebejana Cup.
The first half game way characterised by tough tackles and a number of fouls with both teams looking to have control of the game.
In the sixth minute after multiple exchange of passes Uposa Dekesha found himself unmarked in the edge of the box, but his shot went wide.
Two minutes later Chiefs’ Tendai Nyumasi was fouled in front of the penalty area, but skipper Pontsho Moloi’s free kick went over the bar.
In the 11th minute Thatayaone Ramatlapeng was brought down on the edge of the penalty box, however Mkhanyasile Siwahla’s free kick found Wagarre Dikago well positioned to deal with it.
Gunners’ Amos Godirwang seemed to struggle in dealing with midfield partnership of Lesego Galenamotlhale and Nyumasi thus giving away a lot of silly fouls. In the 22nd minute Kgaodi found Mogomotsi Mokoka unmarked in the box, but the latter’s diving header went over the bar. The first half ended goalless.
From the start of the second half, Gunners came back guns blazing, using the speed of Chimuku who terrorised Othusitse Pilane and the strength of Mokoka who gave Chiefs’ defence difficulties on the day.
Four minutes into the second half, Mokoka was fouled in the box and Kgaodi made mistake as he converted from the spot kick to give the Peleng boys the lead. Two minutes later, Emmanuel Machinya nearly doubled the lead but his half volley went over the bar. Chiefs’ trio Nyumasi, Galenamotlhale and Ramatlapeng combined several passes thus making their opponents to chase the ball for the majority of the second half. The referee awarded a penalty in the 74th minute and Charles Mutero converted the penalty to give his team the equaliser.
Siwahla missed a chance to give his team the lead when his rush and bluff shot went over the bar.
With only ten minute to time with a good interplay from, Chimuku broke the offside trap and nut mugged advancing Raphael Nthwane to score the winning goal.
Gunners coach, Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul was satisfied with his team’s play. “In terms of fitness we are 80 percent there. I was trying a couple of partnerships and I believe we will be ready for the start of the season,” he said.
In the losers final BDF XI beat Matebejana 2-0 with goals from Khumbulani Madziba and Obonye Marope, who scored against his former side.
Gunners advanced to the final by beating Matebejana with a solitary goal from Pako Modikwa, while Chiefs downed BDFXi 2-0.
Teams line-ups:
Gunners: Wagarre Dikago, Katlego Mothibi (Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile), Bashin Modisaotsile, Desire Bafana, Tshireletso Seane, Odirile Kgaodi, Amos Godirwang, Mogomotsi Mokoka, Tshegofatso Chimuku, Uposa Dekesha, Emmanuel Machinya
Chiefs: Raphael Nthwane, Othusitse Pilane, Kaelo Kgaswane, Charles Mutero, Mpho Kgaswane, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Tendai Nyumasi, Mkhanyasile Siwahla, Senatla Molefe, Pontsho Moloi, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Pontsho Moloi
Caution: Senatla Molefe
Chiefs: 1 (Mutero 74th)
Gunners: 2(Kgaodi 49th, Chimuku 80th)