Forest, Notwane Duel Ends In Deadlock
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 26, 2015 12:06
The draw leaves Forest at the top with 13 points while Notwane stay second two points adrift.
Notwane supporters came out in large numbers with the hope their team would collect maximum points to topple Forest.
Notwane sent the first warning as Langa Mabuli chipped over the target in the 10th minute, but Forest responded immediately when Tiro Pheresi’s effort was inches off target. The log leaders returned with another opportunity in the 18th minute when Matshelo Gakelape connected well with a cross from the left but Notwane goalkeeper, Itumeleng Selapa made a comfortable save.
Gofaone Maraya could have thrust Forest ahead, but his header flew over in the 25th minute.
Mque Sithembile could have done better after neat exchanges with Mabuli, but his last touch was disappointing as the teams continued to exchange fire in the second stanza.
Forest then took control of the match, with their opponents chasing shadows. Sechaba defence was forced into committing errors and Forest were awarded an indirect kick in the 48th minute. However, Koketso Majafi failed to convert. Pheresi tested Selapa with a long range, but the keeper was equal to the task. Forest was at it again with Mosimanyana Letsholo missing the target by some inches in the 58th minute.
Notwane finished with 10 men after Busang Roberts saw red in the 85th minute.
Forest coach, Murphy Maseko said the game went according to plan as they knew what to expect from Notwane. He said as expected Notwane’s play was concentrated in midfield and the plan was to outplay them in that department. Maseko said it was unfortunate they failed to convert their chances, but it is a lesson they will take home going forward.
“It is unfortunate that my players did not implement what I taught them at training on how to take set pieces,” he said.
Wire Kaelo of Notwane said the game was not top notch and was impressed with his charges. He said he was still getting used to the players and it is work in progress.
Meanwhile, in other Saturday matches, Uniao Flamengo Santos beat Mochudi Rovers 4-0 while Black Rangers edged Sharps 1-0 and Prisons XI emerged 2-0 winners over Modipane United.
Forest: Michael Jame, Goabaone Mogorosi, Kennedy Taukobong, Letsholo, Tonderai Nyakuba, Mogomotsi Kerebotswe, Pheresi (Sinare 69), Gakelape, Pako Ipotseng, Majafi, Maraya.
Notwane: Selapa, Lewis Sekwainyana, Maatla Segokgo, Kgomari Mothuba, Kereng Mpetang, Roberts Busang, Kennedy Ramasa, Thato Mogorosi, Sithembile (Tshepiso 54), Mabuli, Tlotlo Mpema
Caution: Pheresi 39
Red card: Busang 85
Forest 0
Notwane 0