Notwane Derail Orapa's Title Charge
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday March 2, 2020 14:41
On the other hand, midfielder, Tshepo Malgas’s strike from the spot denied Orapa United a chance to ascend to the top of the BTC Premiership.
Malgas, who on loan from city rivals, Gaborone United (GU) has made it three goals in successive games.
Before the game, Orapa were in position two but level on points with Township Rollers, which topped the log with 40 points.
A win for them would have put the team at the summit of the standings and put Rollers who, who at the time of going to print were still facing off with GU in a local derby, were expected to be under pressure going into the match. Mogomotsi Mpote’s charges needed the win for morale booster going into the Mascom Top 8 final against Rollers next weekend.
With the Mascom Top 8 final in mind, Orapa were without their captain, Thabang Mosige, goalkeeper, Joseph Gojamang, striker Onkabetse Makgantai and defender Mothusi Johnson.
The two sides failed to play a good game from the first whistle as possession was turned over countless times.
The visitors seemed to take control of the match towards the end of the first half as they won the midfield battle.
They started pilling pressure on the hosts, but failed to penetrate the last line up until the break.
In the second half, it was Notwane who enjoyed much possession.
Terry Mbuqe, Malgas and Boyo Lechaena were influential and their combination once again proved it could be deadly.
However, their possession was without creating clear-cut chances for strikers to finish.
The only goal of the match came in the 82nd minute when Notwane striker, Thabiso Boti was fouled inside the box.
The referee pointed to the spot and Malgas coolly slotted home to hand his side the much-needed three points.
After the match, Notwane coach Oupa Kowa said he was happy with the performance of his players as they executed their game plan well.
He also said as they keep going, they are also collecting points along the way.
“I am satisfied with the three points, but there are one or two things that we still have to work on, but yes I am very (very) happy,” said Kowa.
His counterpart from Orapa Mpote said he is not worried about the result.
He stated that his players maintained shape during a high tactical game.
However, he said with the final ahead, it might have got to their heads.
“To motivate my boys is difficult when all of them are thinking about the final.
The competition is tough with Rollers, GU and Galaxy at the top so it would have been nice to win the Notwane match,” said Mpote.
The teams:
Notwane: Thomas Manyelela, Kereng Mpeteng, Katlego Koobake, Gift Mawaorere, Keiponye Mphoyamodimo, Thato Mogorosi, Tshepo Malgas, Boyo Lechaena, Thabiso Boti (Goitseone Bokhutlo), Sithembile, Mbuqe, Raymond Israel
Orapa United: Bophelo Kealeboga, Mpho Kgaswane, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo (Kobamelo Kebaikanye), Mooketsi Hlabano, Andrew Makopo, Tapiwa Nyamanjiva, Norman Mabaya, Allen Ndodole, Onkemetse Powe, Mbatshi Elias, Omaatla Kebatho
Notwane 1 (Malgas 82nd)
Orapa United 0