Chikomo Returns To Haunt GU
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday January 18, 2016 14:27
The host got an early free kick in the seventh minute, but Edwin Olerile’s effort did not trouble Orapa United goalkeeper, Mosimanegape Robert. GU showed a lot of urgency in their play going forward, but could not break the opposition’s defence which absorbed the pressure well.
Both teams had a couple of chances, but could not hit the back of the net. With a minute to the break, former GU striker, Ronald Chikomo received an overhead pass from Mgcini Sibanda and the dreadlocked Zambian lobbed ball over the advancing Michael Pepukani to give Ostriches the lead. Six minutes into the second half, the visitors were awarded a penalty after Chikomo was brought down in the box. Pepukani did well to save Patrick Lenyeletse’s strike to keep his side in the game.
The Ostriches were once again awarded a free kick at the edge of the box, but Lenyeletse skied his effort midway through the second half. In the dying minutes, substitute Lemogang Maswena broke through the defence with pace, but was denied by Pepukani with a superb save in a one on one situation.
Winning coach, Madinda Ndlovu praised his team’s performance which saw the second-placed side win their first away game in the new year.
“It was more difficult to prepare for them unlike last time when we knew the coach and his philosophy. I’m just happy that we managed to get maximum points away from home,” he said.
His opposite number, GU interim coach George Mogopodi rued missed chances but was impressed with the team’s overall performance. “We couldn’t get that final ball, but we did everything right. We need to create a lot of scoring opportunities in order to win games,” he said.
GU: Michael Pepukani, Osego Gaotewe, Thabiso Khunwane, Gosegonna Molapisi, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Thato Ogopotse, Ntesang Simanyana (Kgololo Kgogobi), Edwin Olerile, Hendrick Moyo, Benson Shilongo (Moatlhodi Ralesotla)
Orapa United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Lesenya Ramoroka, Kabo Mungabe, Olekantse Mambo, Mgcini Sibanda (Thabang Sesinyi), Patrick Motsepe, Thabang Mosige, Patrick Lenyeletse, Mandlaenkosi Sibanda, Ronald Chikomo (Lemogang Maswena) Caution: Gaotewe