All Square In Orapa
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday February 22, 2016 15:01
From the kick start, Orapa showed what their mentor described as ‘hunger’ midweek as they immediately raced forward and forced a corner in the opening minute. But it was Matebele who took the lead through Patrick Kaunda after four minutes.
A clearance from the Orapa defence fell for Othusitse Mpharithi on the left, who posted a cross and Kaunda connected with a low header to take his Top 8 tally to three. Orapa had a number of corners in the opening half, but they could not make good use of them.
But it didn’t take long for Orapa to get the equaliser right after the breather. Chikomo received a Mandlaenkosi Sibanda pass and ran intelligently in front of the defence before lobbying Mwampule Masule. It could have been two in two minutes. BDF XI was caught on a counter attack, Patrick Lenyeletse raced through on the left flank but his end pass to Sibanda was too close to the goalkeeper.
The Ostriches introduced Onkabetse Makgantai in the 80th minute and Orapa United came alive.
The speedy Makgantai had a moment three minutes after his introduction.
He outran the defence, but showed too much of the ball allowing the defence to recover. Both teams played a balanced game with a fair number of chances until the end.
Visiting coach, Beston Chambesi was happy with the away draw. “The boys played according to my instructions. I am happy with the result.
We are looking forward to the next game. In a tournament like this, an away goal counts more but we won’t sit on that. We have to plan so we finish the game on a good note,” he said.
His Orapa counterpart, Madinda Ndlovu, praised his opponents for a good game plan. “It was a game of two halves.
I give credit to BDF X1 as they had a plan. Obviously they wanted a goal and they got it. This game is not over; my team is capable of scoring two goals. I am confident. It’s about who wants it more,” he said.
Orapa United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Patrick Motsepe, Lesenya Ramoraka, Thabang Mosige, Olekantse Mambo, Mgcini Sibanda, Mandlaenkosi Sibanda, Patrick Lenyeletse, Lemogang Maswena (Onkabetse Makgantai), Ronald Chikomo (Thabang Sesinyi)
BDF XI: Mwampule Masule, Pelontle Lerole, Othusitse Mpharitlhe, Keolopile Molemi, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Bitwell Phiri, Keeagile Kobe (Phenyo Mongala), Bonolo Phuduhudu. Patrick Kaunda (Obonye Marope), Takunda Sadiki, Kumbulani Madziba
Cautions: Sadiki, Chikomo
Orapa (0) 1 Chikomo 46th
BDF X1 (1) 1 Kaunda 4th