Lions roar back to hold Chiefs
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 2, 2015 13:00
The Lions roared into a dream start when Zimbabwean, Ozias Zibande gave his side the lead firing from close range in the eighth minute. At the opposite end, Lemponye Tshireletso skied his effort when clean through.
However, it did not take long for Chiefs to restore parity when Keaketswe ‘Mara’ Moloi was upended in the box and Kaelo Kgaswane buried from the spot in the 21st minute.
Soon after, Chiefs dictated terms and the goal they relentlessly threatened arrived in the 31st minute when Moloi applied the finishing touch to Ayanda Senatla’s cross.
The Lions were handed a lifeline, which they however fluffed when an indirect kick was crashed against the wall right at the stroke of half time.
After the break, it was a seesaw affair but the pendulum swiftly swung in Lions’ favour when on-form Mathews Nyamadzabo drew his side level with a well-taken goal in the 65th minute.
Chiefs had the ball in the back of the net moments later but the effort was ruled out for an infringement on goalkeeper, Lesego Bosekeng.
Tshireletso could have grabbed a late winner, but his well-taken free kick could not find the target.
Towering Zebras midfielder, Lebogang Ditsele was voted man of the match. Lion’s coach, Paradzayi Mandivenga was not happy with the result but impressed with his team’s effort.
“Although Chiefs scored two away goals, I am confident we can still go through. We managed to contain Chiefs but the penalty decision took us away but we still managed to fight back,” he said.
Chiefs mentor, Mike Sithole, who opted to leave brothers, Dirang and Pontsho Moloi on the bench, said he was happy with the two away goals.
“I wanted a win, but I am ok with the two goals and confident that we will sail through. My problem now is the injuries to the defenders,” Sithole said after he watched defender, Keabetswe Jenamiso limp off.
Gilport Lions: Lesego Bosekeng, Sekgabo Molebatsi, Bonang Monyatsi, Kabo Molome, Ozias Zibande, Tumisang Sekanonyane, Kabelano Mooketsane, Kenamile Mani (Upoga Dekesha), Lebogang Ditsele, Chrispen Mbewe, Mathews Nyamadzabo
Chiefs: Raphael Nthwane, Othusitse Pilane, Ontse Ntesa, Kaelo Kgaswane, Keabetswe Jenamiso (Jackie Mothatego), Senatla Molefhe (Onalethata Tshekiso), Lesego Molemogi, Keaketswe Moloi, Tendai Nyumasi, Lemponye Tshireletso
Caution: Kgaswane
Lions (1) 2 (Zibande 8th, Nyamadzabo 65th)
Chiefs (2) 2 (Kgaswane 21st, Moloi 31st)