Rollers Evade Police To Inch Closer
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday April 18, 2016 15:54
Rollers were awarded a penalty in the fourth minute after a foul on Edwin Moalosi, but Segolame Boy missed from the spot as his effort hit the woodwork. Popa were forced to make a substitution with Moalosi limping out due to a groin injury and Sekhana Koko took his place in the eighth minute.
In the 19th minute, Joel Mogorosi showed quick feet to dribble past Kesolofetse Dikgakgamatso. He put in a cross which Boy flicked to Koko, but the latter’s shot was well collected by Abedinco Morapedi. The teams went to the break level.
Six minutes into the second half, Otsile Batang was sent off, with a second booking for dangerous play. The defender raised his leg and caught Ofentse Nato on the head while the duo were charging for the same ball.
Two minutes later Police XI nearly capitilised from a quick counterattack, catching Rollers’ defence napping, but Uyapo Seleka’s low drive missed the goal by a whisker.
In the 62nd minute, Boy rose highest to head home Tshepo Motlhabankwe’s free kick giving Rollers the lead.
The goal increased the tempo of the game. Police XI were playing quick short passes trying to unlock Rollers defence while Popa resorted to long balls.
In the 78th minute, Morapedi denied Koko from close range to keep the one goal advantage. Rollers’ coach, Mark Harrison rued missed chances, but lauded his team for a good performance.
“There was a of lot tension out there, the performance was secondary to the points. We got three points, and that’s all that matters,” he said. His opposite number Police XI’s interim coach, Maitumelo ‘Junior’ Letlamoreng praised his team’s brave performance.
“We fought. Even when we were one man down we still fought. I believe if we had not had that red card, we could have got something out of this game,” he said.
Rollers: Kabelo Dambe, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Simisane Mathumo, Obuile Ncenga, Kaone Van der Westhuizen, Ofentse Nato (Terence Mandaza), Maano Ditshupo, Segolame Boy (Obonye Moswate), Galabgwe Moyana, Edwin Moalosi (Sekhana Koko), Joel Mogorosi
Police XI: Abedinco Morapedi, Katlego Masole, Otsile Batang, Kesolofetse Dikgakgamatso, Louis Minjale, Ogomoditse Sitang (Joseph Joseph), Betsho Pius, Letlhogonolo Senwelo, Phenyo Molefe (Nqobile Mpala), David Makakaba (Letsweletse Leririma), Uyapo Seleka
Cautions: Galabgwe Moyana
Dismissal: Batang
Rollers (0) 1 (Boy 62nd)
Police XI 0