Gunners Drop Points But Stay In Touch
Tumelo Mouwane | Monday October 24, 2016 14:52
The draw means Gunners stay joint top with Orapa United and Township Rollers on eight points.
The Peleng side went into the game looking for an early lead as they applied pressure, with Mandla Mgadla and Kgololo Kgogobi initiating several crosses from the wings within the first five minutes.
As the first half settled, BDF XI gained confidence and pushed competition at par as the teams tried to cancel each other out. Kobamelo Kebainkanye failed to convert an in swinger in the 30th minute after Oteng Legwaila was tackled a few metres from the Mapantsula goal.
Gunners continued to probe with Boitshoko Zikhale and Mgadla, but Tumiso Mashakola was surefooted between the army side’s goal posts.
Kgogobi chipped a convincing header into the visitors’ posts from a set piece in the 45th minute, but was unfortunate as the cross bar rescued Matebele.
Gunners were unrelenting with Zikhale missing a one on one chance in added time. Bonno Mosea also hit Matebele’s cross bar before the half time whistle, signalling the end of an eventful but goalless half.
Matebele came into the final half with improved confidence as they managed to stifle Gunners for a while by passing the ball around.
Five minutes into the second half, Gunners shot stopper, Michael Pepukani hit the ball straight to Kebaikanye but the attacker failed to capitalise.
BDF XI coach, Louis Setshwane introduced Obonye Marope for Kumbee Katjitio to rescue the initiative. Mapantsula made a substitution with Mgadla making way for Emmanuel Machinya while Zikhale was withdrawn for Thabo Metlhayotlhe.
Gunners’ Leteng Legopelo headed straight into Matebele’s post in the 56th minute as the Lobatse side searched for an opener.
Khumbulani Madziba started to influence the game as he made several attempts at goal and was cautioned for the reckless use of his boot in the process.
Matebele substituted Beatwell Phiri and introduced Keagile Kobe before Gunners made their final call, removing Mosea for Mothusi Cooper. Legopelo was shortly cautioned for simulation.
Gunners coach, Daniel Nare said although he was not impressed with the results he accepted the point.
“I am not happy with the results. I think we could have taken the game during the first half because the opponents were sleeping but we failed to score. I accept the results.
“I think lack of goal line technology also cost us a goal during the second half. The BDF XI defender was inside the net,” Nare said.
His BDF XI counterpart, Setshwane said his team was technically sound as they defended very well regardless of not being able to score.
“Gunners was technically better during the first half, but my boys were also technically sound as we managed to defend undisputedly well. We knew we were going to play against a tough side so we accept the results and our focus is the next fixture,” he said.
Gunners: Michael Pepukani, Mmoloki Kebalepile, Oabile Makopo, Disere Bafana, Leteng Legopelo, Whaza Seleka, Kutlhwelo Mpolokang, Mandla Mgadla (Emmanuel Machinya), Boitshoko Zikhale (Thabo Metlhayothle), Bonno Mosea (Mothusi Cooper), Kgololo Kgogobi.
BDF XI: Tumiso Mashakola, Othusitse Mpharitlhe, Pelontle Lesole, Keolopile Moremi, Onkabetse Seforo, Oteng Legwaila, Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Beatwell Phiri (Keagile Kobe), Kumbee Katjitio (Obonye Marope), Bonolo Phuduhudu, Khubulani Madziba.
Gunners 0
BDF XI 0