Orapa Edge GU To Move Joint Top
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday October 24, 2016 14:43
Patrick Lenyeletse’s solitary effort in the second half ensured that the Mascom Top 8 champions collect the all-important three points away from home against a stubborn GU side.
The game failed to produce any clear-cut chances as both sides cancelled each other out especially in the midfield. GU coach, Rodolfo Zapata handed Gosegonna Molapisi and Tumisang Orebonye rare starts following a 0-0 draw against minnows, Black Forest on Wednesday. Molapisi occupied the left back position and Edwin Olerile was pushed forward as a left winger. Orebonye started ahead of both Hendrick Moyo and Moatlhodi Ralesotla in front but had a tough task trying to break Orapa United defence manned by Olekantse Mambo and captain, Thabang Mosige. Both sides’ goalkeepers had an easy afternoon in the first half with no clear-cut chances produced.
Ten minutes into the second half, Orapa United finally managed to find the breakthrough when Lemogang Maswena and Omaatla Kebatho combined before Lenyeletse tapped in to give his side the lead. Moments later GU had the chance to level matters through a free kick but Orapa goalkeeper, Mosimanegape Robert made an incredible save to deny Olerile.
GU then made double substitutions and removed Olerile and Molapisi for Mpho Kgaswane and Hendrick Moyo. The duo tried to add spark to GU’s attack but Lenyeletse’s solitary strike was enough to separate the two sides.
In his post match interview, Zapata said he was happy with his charges’ performance despite the loss. He said Orapa United are a good side and knew a goal for any of the side was going to come from a mistake. “I told my players that a mistake will decide whoever wins the game today and unfortunately the goal came from the Orapa side,” he said. Orapa United coach, Madinda Ndlovu was also happy with his players’ performance and stated that it was difficult to expect them to perform better. He said the hot temperatures were always going to limit both sides’ players to do more than they did.
Orapa United remain unbeaten and move joint top on eight points.
GU: Goitseone Phoko, Tshepo Maikano, Gosegonna Molapisi (Moyo 68th), Thabiso Khunwane, Godwin Bonsu, Olerile (Kgaswane 68th), Alphonse Modisaotsile, Karabo Phiri, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Lorato Botshelo (Moatlhodi Ralesotla 76th), Tumisang Orebonye
Orapa United: Mosimanegape Robert, Kealeboga Molebatsi, Lesenya Ramoraka, Olekantse Mambo, Thabang Mosige, Kemmy Pilato, Lemogang Maswena, Tendai Nyumasi, Omaatla Kebatho (Letumile Molebatsi), Ronald Chikomo (Zebron Njobvu 67th), Patrick Lenyeletse (Khumoetsile Kufigwa 79th)
Cautions: Chikomo, Modisaotsile, Kebatho
GU 0
Orapa United 1 (Lenyeletse 55th)