Gunners Salvage Draw At Itekeng Fortress
Staff Writer | Monday November 2, 2015 13:00
The game began at a snail pace as both teams held their cards to their chests. However, Gunners were quick to settle and as the half progressed.
They began to take the game to the home side.
Tshegofatso Chimuku, who found most of the ball, continuously charged at the Ostriches’ defence. In the 33rd minute, Chimuku sent Gaofose through with a defence splitting pass and the latter made no mistake as he slotted at the far post.
The game picked up after the goal, but the Ostriches were too hurried to make a real threat. The first half was an eye sore as it petered out.
After the break, the game carried on almost similarly as the first half. Ten minutes into the half, Orapa United introduced Mandlenkosi ‘Sukunyetsa’ Sibanda and Lemogang Maswena.
The introduction of the duo brought a spark into the game and the Orapa outfit took control of the encounter. Kealeboga Molebatsi took a pile driver that hit the under-side of the crossbar, but could not cross the line.
Mapantsula were forced to defend deep as the Ostriches continued to threaten their goal post. In the 69th minute, Sukunyetsa and Ronald Chikomo exchanged quick passes in front of the Gunners 18 yard box.
Sukunyetsa set up Sibanda with a laid back pass and the striker responded with a powerful hit to level matters.
Orapa United were unrelenting as the Peleng Boys held on nervously for a stalemate. Chimuku who was the liveliest player was adjudged man of the match.
Gunners coach, Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare was content with the draw, admitting it had been a tactical encounter, where both teams tried to cancel each other in the middle.
His Orapa United counterpart, Madinda Ndlovu felt they started slowly but was happy with the response after the break. He was equally satisfied with the draw ahead of the second leg.
Orapa United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Patrick Motsepe, Kabo Mugabe (Mandlenkosi Sukunyetsa), Thabang Mosige, Olekantse Mambo, Mgcini Sibanda, Lesenya Ramoraka, Patrick Lenyeletse, Thabang Sesinyi (Lemogang Maswena), Ronald Chikomo
Extension Gunners: Kelame Tladinyane, Ronald Mothibi, Boitumelo Modisaotsile, Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile, Desire Bafana, Kemmy Pilato, Amos Godirwang (Monageng Thaele), Kelelo Kgosimore, Moemedi Moatlhaping (Isaac Paeye), Pako Gaofose (Boitshoko Zikhale), Tshegofatso Chimuku
Orapa United 1 (Mgcini Sibanda 69th)
Extension Gunners 1 (Pako Gaofoswe 33rd)