Matebele Ease Into Top 8 Semis
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday November 23, 2015 10:34
Matebele progressed with a 3-0 aggregate score after winning 1-0 in the first leg of the quarterfinals three weeks ago.
Both teams had their star players on the bench because of their involvement with the national team in the midweek. Kabelo Seakanyeng started on the bench for BDF XI while Hendrick Moyo also came on in the second half for the defending champions, GU. With GU sensing danger posed by Patrick Kaunda who scored the solitary goal in the first leg, GU assigned bulky defender, Godwin Bonsu on him. Just two minutes into the game, BDF XI were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Mosha Gaolaolwe stepped up, but GU were rescued by the upright before they made the decisive clearance. GU also had the chance to take the lead midway through the first half but Benson Shilongo failed to beat Mwampule Masule in a one-on-one situation. With just a minute before the half time break, Kaunda managed to drop back and received the ball on the right wing before beating Phoko with a cracker from a tight angle.
The goal separated the two sides at halftime. Right before the start of the second half, GU made a substitution with Obonwe Maome making way for Moyo in an effort to try and increase firepower. They tried to take the game to BDF XI but found the army side’s defence, led by Gaolaolwe, unyielding. Moments after his introduction, Seakanyeng took GU defence on and they conceded a free kick. Othusitse Mpharithe curled the ball into the box and Khumbulani Madziba smashed the ball past GU goalkeeper to take the game beyond GU’s reach. BDF XI became the second team to reach the semi finals, joining Orapa United who beat Extension Gunners on Friday night. Township Rollers joined them on Sunday after dumping out Police XI. BDF XI coach, Beston Chambeshi praised his charges for sticking to the plan. “The tactical approach of the boys was very good. I am happy with the way they are adapting to my philosophy,” he said. GU assistant coach, Thabo Motang could not single out any player as the reason for their loss. He said the mission has to continue despite crashing out of the competition.
Line-ups:
BDF XI: Mwampule Masule, Pelontle Lerole, Othusitse Mpharithe, Keleagetse Mogomotsi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Bitwell Phiri, Keeagile Kobe (Ofentse Mmipi), Bonolo Phuduhudu, Patrick Kaunda (Ogomoditse Bauleni), Lorato Mosweu (Kabelo Sekanyeng), Khumbulani Madziba
GU: Goitseone Phoko, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng, Edwin Olerile, Tshepo Maikano, Godwin Bonsu, Benson Shilongo (Mpho Kgaswane), Alphonse Modisaotsile, Apppiah Bismark, Obonwe Maome (Hendrick Moyo), Thato Ogopotse, Ntesang Simanyana
Cautions: Simanyana, Madziba, Masule, Kobe, Maikano, Ogopotse
Referee: Keabetswe Dintwa
Assistant referees: Moemedi Monakwane, Bakwena Simankale
BDF XI 2 (Kaunda 44th, Madziba 74th)
GU 0