Gunners edge GU
Spira Tlhankane | Monday August 31, 2015 18:00
It was their fourth win in four games and remained perched at the summit of the log standings with 12 points. The game kicked off at a high pace with GU looking to grab an early goal, but Gunners defence was too alert at the back. Gunners got back into the game and 15 minutes into the game they broke the deadlock through Amos Godirwang’s header.
The game got more physical with tackles flying around and GU striker, Benson Shilongo was seriously injured in the process. The medical team, 911 Emergency Assist had not arrived at the stadium and the Namibian had to be ferried to the hospital through an ordinary car.
GU then equalised just before the half time break through the newly signed Thato Ogopotse. He headed the ball into the net after a defensive mix-up. The two goals separated the two sides at half time.
From the break Gunners came with guns blazing and two minutes into the second half, Moemedi Moatlhaping put Gunners in front, scoring against his former team. Mapantsula then gained a numerical advantage when Edwin Bonsu was red carded on his debut.
Thabiso Khunwane was brought in the place of Mandla Mgadla to help out at the back. Boitshoko Zikhale delivered a dangerous ball into the box, but Moatlhaping’s acrobatic attempt was saved. A minute later, Moatlhaping made another attempt but this time GU goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko parried the ball away for a corner.
Gunners failed to capitalise from the numerical advantage as GU took the game to them in the middle of the second half. Ntesang ‘Mirror’ Simanyana dictated terms in the midfield but his good brilliant passes were not utilised.
Gunners could have buried GU in the dying minutes of the game, but substitute Emmanuel Machinya failed to take responsibility on a one-on-one chance and preferred to pass the ball to Zikhale who was in an offside position.
The winning coach, Pio Paul said they won the game from the midfield.
He said he was happy with the performance despite the disallowed goal. GU head coach Rahman Gumbo and technical director, Dragojlo Stanojlovic refused to talk to the media after the match.
The line-ups:
Gaborone United: Goitseone Phoko, Osego Gaotewe, Katlego ‘Sissoko’ Keobake, Gaopatwe ‘Shoes’ Seosenyeng, Edwin Bonsu, Thato Ogopotse, Mandla ‘Spikiri’ Mgadla (Thabiso Khunwane), Kabo Rapsuping, Benson ‘Ben-10’ Shilongo, Ntesang ‘Mirror’ Simanyana, Kgololo Kgogobi.
Extension Gunners: Lame Tladinyane, Isaac Paeye, Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Desire Bafana, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Kemmy Pilato, Boitshoko ‘Bai’ Zikhale, Amos ‘Shoes’ Godirwang, Mogomotsi ‘Jafta’ Mokoka (Emmanuel Machinya), Moemedi ‘Jomo’ Moatlhaping, Monageng ‘Mnige’ Thaele.
Gunners 2 (Godirwang 15th, Moatlhaping 47th)
GU 1 (Thato Ogopotse 37th)