Rollers, Galaxy share spoils
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday August 24, 2015 14:18
Former Rollers players Boitumelo Mafoko and Tebogo Sosome were in the starting line up for Galaxy while former FC Satmos goalkeeper, Ezekiel Morake also made it in the first 11. Rollers’ new signings Joel Mogorosi and Carl Finnigan sat on the bench, while Gofaone Tiro and Otlantshekela Mooketsi who has been out for a long time due to injury got their first start of the season.
Both teams started the match looking for an early goal. Rollers played their usual wing play, while Galaxy set back and looked to catch the hosts on counter attacks. Galaxy committed a foul at the edge of the box, but Mooketsi’s free kick just missed the target. Seven minutes later Tiro also missed a chance to open the score line after being picked up by Segolame Boy. Rollers goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe produced a spectacular save from Tshepo Borake’s shot in the 13th minute.
Towards the half hour mark, Rollers launched another attack but Boy’s shot went over the bar. He, however, redeemed himself in the 41st minute, when he curled in a free kick on the edge of the box to give Rollers the lead. Galaxy nearly equalised four minutes later when Tshiamo Moreetsi dribbled through the opponent’s defence, but his shot went wide.
In the second half, Rollers nearly doubled their lead as early as the 48th minute after a scramble in the penalty area, but Kobamelo Kebaikanye failed to capitalise.
The visitors upped their game in search for an equaliser. Mafoko failed to punish his former employers with his volley going over the bar.
The visitors got the equalizer in the 60th minute through Mosimagape Ngongorego who slotted the ball at the far post from a rebound. Galaxy coach, Oris Radipotsane replaced Borake with Musa Ohilwe in attempt to fend off Rollers’ attack.
Mooketsi’s free kick hit the wall and Simisane Mathumo failed to give his side the lead on a rebound with only two minutes to time.
Rollers’ coach, Mark Harrison was disappointed with his team’s display on the day.
“It was a poor performance from the first to the last minute. I do not think anyone in the game held their head too high. We got a goal from a set piece and we did not capitalise and we lacked quality in our finishing,” he said.
Galaxy coach, Radipotsane expressed his delight in getting a point from the game, but decried the referee’s performance. “The linesman cost us the goal. They tell us the rules then they do not apply them. We came into the game looking for a draw as were playing a big team away,” he said.
The line-ups:
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Thato Bolelweng, Simisane Mathumo, Mogogi Ganonamong, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Lawrence Majawa, Maano Ditshupo, Gofaone Tiro (Joel Mogorosi), Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Sekhana Koko), Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Segolame Boy (Carl Finnigan)
Galaxy: Ezekiel Morake, Thabo Leinanynane, Mosimanegape Ngongorego, Tebogo Moroka, Boitumelo Mafoko, Tebogo Sosome, Tshiamo Moreesti (Atisang Batsi), Keaotshepa Omphile (Kenanao Kgetholetsile), Olebogeng Malebye, Tshepo Borake (Musa Ohilwe), Tebogo Sembowa
Caution: Finnigan
Rollers 1 (Boy 41st)
Galaxy 1 (Ngongorego 60th) ime due to injury got their first start of the season.