Chiefs Edge GU In Ugly Battle
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 8, 2016 14:43
GU veteran, Stephen Maposa took charge of the game while new coach Rodolfo Zapata had to watch from the stands as he is yet to get his work permit. GU medic, Otukile Ruele was sent to the stands for using a mobile phone in the technical area. In the dying minutes, fracas broke out between the fans from the two teams, seated at the east stand. Missiles rained and law enforcers had to rush in to calm the situation. Ten minutes into the game, GU were awarded a free-kick which Mpho Kgaswane slotted in at the far post but the referee ruled it was supposed to be an indirect kick.
Chiefs suffered an injury blow after goalkeeper Mmompoloki Sephekolo went out with thigh injury and was replaced by Raphael Nthwane in the 35th minute. Both teams upped their game at the start of the second half, but failed to find the break through.
Chiefs were awarded a penalty after a tussle inside the box and Tendai Nyumasi stepped up and sent Michael Pepukani the wrong way to give Chiefs the lead in the 82nd minute. In the referee’s additional time, GU conceded a foul in the danger zone and Arnold Mampori picked leading goalscorer, Lemponye Tshireletso, who out ran the GU defence before slotting home. After the final whistle, a group of GU players charged at the match officials and club chairman, Rapula Okaile, had to come in to calm players.
Maposa said the game was balanced and his team was unlucky to have lost. “I won’t comment on some of the things that transpired today because that’s the referee’s job,” he said. Chiefs’ coach, Mike Sithole avoided the post match interviews as he walked away.
GU: Michael Pepukani, Tshepo Maikano, Thabiso Khunwane, Godwin Bonsu, Gosegonna Molapisi, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Thato Ogopotse, Mpho Kgaswane, Obonwe Maome (Hendrick Moyo), Karabo Phiri (Moatlhodi Ralesotla), Benson Shilongo
Chiefs: Mmompoloki Sephekolo (Raphael Nthwane), Othsuitse Pilane, Thato Kebue, Keabetswe Jenamiso, Kaelo Kgaswane, Lesego Galenamotlhale, Anorld Mampori, Tendai Nyumasi, Senatla Molefe (Lesego Molemogi), Lemponye Tshireletso, Onalethata Tshekiso
Cautions: Modisaotsile, Khunwane, Bonsu, Molefe, Jenamiso, Mampori
Dismissal: Ruele
GU 0
Chiefs 2 (Nyumasi 82nd pen, Tshireletso 90+3)