Nico Score Late To Deny Highlanders
Ivy Matlho | Monday February 8, 2016 14:29
Both teams struggled to adjust in sweltering heat and the match official had to call for a water break. On resumption, Highlanders did not waste time as they took the lead through veteran Tshepo Molefe who converted a pass from Moamogedi Thatogo in the 20th minute.
Highlanders showed a lot of urgency in their play going forward, but failed to break the opposition’s defence, which absorbed the pressure well.
The teams went into break with Highlanders having an upper hand.
After the break Highlanders played more defensively allowing Nico to attack. As the pressure increased, Nico constantly breached the visitors’ defence but could not find the breakthrough.
In the 82nd minute, Nico drew level through substitute Marumo’s header. His goal sparked Nico action, but they failed to net the winner.
The draw left BR coach Lebitso Ratlou dissapointed as his side dropped two vital points in their relegation fight. Ratlou said the mistake committed by his defenders cost them two points as they could have avoided Nico’s goal. “We could have easily won, but the goalkeeper and defence cost us,” he said.
“They made a silly mistake.” Ratlou said he had hoped to win the game in order to close the gap in the relegation fight. “We could have capitalised from this game, especially that Motlakase lost,” he added. “Winning this game could have helped us close the gap between us and other teams.” Nico’s assistant coach, Peter Muchina said Nico failed to win due to poor finishing. “It was a better game for us in the second half, but our finishing was poor,” he added.
Nico: Kagiso Rankabekwa, Richard Legwaila, Innocent Sikhungu, Trinity Nko, Lucas Mothata, Khumoetsile Kufigwa, Nelson Moreetsi, Gift Moyo, Samson Mogomotsi, Christopher Musonda, (Vincent Marumo 59th) Phineas Kgotlaang(Kabelo Sebopi 75th).
BR: Tumiso Mashakola, Gofhamodimo Samuel, Leteng Legopelo, Kgakgamatso Ramatshosa, Agisanyang Ramaabya,Temo Keorileng, Moamogedi Thatogo,Tshepo Molefe, Emmanuel Thakadu, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Tilly Setlhako
Nico United (0) 1(Marumo 82nd)
BR Highlanders (1) 1(Molefe 20th)