Late Stars' Goal Stun GNT

Chakalisa Dube | Monday September 23, 2019 11:01

Stars were the better side of the two in an average encounter. The hosts could have grabbed the lead as early as the 10th minute when attacking midfielder, Oketsang Mochaina found himself with only  the goalkeeper to beat but instead sent his shot wide. Seconds later, Calendar’s Thabo Leposo thought he had found the lead with a low ground shot from within the edge of the goal area. But GNT goalkeeper,  Segolame Jobe produced a stunning save.

Tigers failed to click in the first half and seldom went forward although they had one significant chance to gain the lead towards the break. Forward, Mbatshi Machongo failed to capitalise on a defensive blunder by left back Kagiso Katse. His shot, which lacked power, fell straight into the hands of goalie Nsala Mosinyi.

After a solid first half, the hosts made another telling start in the second stanza. They were dominant in almost all departments and created several chances. They could have grabbed the lead in the 48th minute through striker Ofentse Lufu, but the latter sent his shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Calendar did have another chance to score in the 67th minute. Once again Lufu sent his shot agonisingly wide.

Lufu did make amends in the 80th minute. He found the back of the net with a low close range shot following a rebound. 

After the goal, GNT threw more bodies forward in search of an equaliser but they could not penetrate a solid Stars defence. On the other hand, Stars appeared very eager to grab another goal to put the game beyond reach for the hosts. The Stars however, emerged the eventual match winners at the end.

The Teams:

Calendar Stars: Mosinyi, Gothusang Osego, Katse (Goitseone Mponang), Thabo Ngada, Maikano Macheng, Matlhogonolo Manko, Mochaina, Lemogang Tlholoe, Lufu, Leposo, Vincent Marumo

GNT: Jobe, Wazha Sethuro, Kabelo Letshola, Koziba Gibson, Oratile Dongwana, Jason Delu (Karabo Matlakala), Otsile Oftentse, Babotseng Maphosa, Machongo, Mooketsi Mampori