Bizarre Own Goal Sends Rolling Boys Through
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday May 16, 2016 14:30
The two teams reportedly had a squabble a night before that resulted in ECCO right back Walter Moyo sustaining a head injury, but was cleared to play by the doctors. The teams carried the fight in to the match as they scored three goals in a space of six minutes in the first half. In the fourth minute, Kaone Molefe opened the score sheet with a well taken goal in front of the box. Three minutes later, Lovers Mofokeng rose highest to head home Frank Jimmy’s cross to level the matters. Boys’ speedy winger, Molebeledi Gabofiwe showed some quick feet to beat Galebose Masala on the right flank. He put in a low cross which found Dennis Kaelo unmarked in the box. The veteran attacker slotted at the far post to give the home team a lead for the second time in the match in 10th minute. In the 26th minute, Kaelo was again in the thick of things but this time failed to hit the net, with the keeper off the posts. Boys took their 2-1 lead into the break.
Three minutes in to the second half Mofokeng, who proved to be a menace to the opponents’ defence on the day, put in a teasing cross for Jimmy but the keeper was up to the task. The second half was characterised by rough tackles, but the referee kept his cards in his pocket. ECCO went on looking for an equaliser, but the Boys’ defence stood firm. Mofokeng was brought down outside the box with five minutes to time, Malepa Bolelang’s free kick was inches wide. The match was seeminly heading for extra time when substitute Garefetoge Kenaope received a long ball from the back, he put in a low cross into the box which passed everyone only to find Moyo at the far post. The wounded defender put the ball in to his own net in an effort to clear the ball in referee’s additional time.
Rolling Boys’ coach, Thaloba Nthaga applauded his team for showing character after overturning the deficit. “It was a difficult game. We showed character when we scored the second goal. We knew how they played, so we counter attacked their strength very well,” he said.
Rolling Boys: Joe Gojamang, Dennis Montshiwa, Oseneyeng Ntwampe (Galefetoge Kenaope), Bophelo Macheng, Kutlo Sejeso, Omphile Sebolai, Junior Gaboitsiwe, Molebeledi Gabofiwe (Odirile Kgaodi), Kaone Molefe, Dennis Kaelo, Kago Nfila
ECCO: Innocent Selebogo, Walter Moyo, Galebose Masala, Mosimanegape Mokiya, Malepa Bolelang, Cosmos Sebona, Onkemetse Powe, Bonkgonne Matlhare (Thabo Ngada), Lovers Mofokeng, Oarabile Powe, Frank Jimmy (Pontsho Sephuto)
Cautions: Kaelo, Gabofiwe